Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $31,770. This figure falls below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles outside of major urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this area influences compensation for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,320 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.71, the job market in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the absolute number of workers suggests a stable presence, the sub-average LQ points to a less specialized or saturated market, implying moderate demand that aligns with the region's overall economic activity.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-15.7%below the national average.
$15.3
$611
$2,648
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect an effort to keep pace with the rising cost of living and to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff in a competitive service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as individuals hone their craft and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,400 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,828 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,920 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,713 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,050 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,770 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability.
Job Market Context
1,320
Total Jobs
6.715
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.71x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.71 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be a dominant industry sector in the region. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,280↑ 11% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,310↑ 5% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,280↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,420↑ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $31,770. This typically ranges from $22,400 for entry-level positions to $38,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 15.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $31,770 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay indicates less financial reward compared to other regions.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,280) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.715 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Cook positions compared to the national average, suggesting a less dense job market for this role.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,320 Cooks employed in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, representing the local workforce dedicated to this culinary profession.
Does the Cost of Living Index impact the perceived salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $31,770 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, despite being a lower nominal figure.
How does the Location Quotient affect job opportunities?
A Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that Cooks are slightly less prevalent in this region compared to the national average, which could imply a more stable, though not necessarily rapidly growing, job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,320 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.715 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area