Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this locale. The lower average pay is often tied to the cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 430 individuals. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.86, suggests a presence that is slightly below the national average, implying a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other regions. The rate of 8.114 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent employment environment for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-15.3%below the national average.
$15.4
$614
$2,660
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant across the nation, including in Southern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within the kitchen hierarchy.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,180 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,940 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,680 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,900 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,860 | $20.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,920 in the Southern South Carolina 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 equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the real value of the income is maintained locally.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
8.114
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.86x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector in this specific region compared to the country as a whole. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, suggesting a balanced level of competition and opportunity for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,460↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,120↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,580↑ 2% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,380↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,340↑ 14% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $31,920. This typically ranges from $23,180 for entry-level positions to $41,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 15.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $31,920 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This suggests that while expenses are average, the earning potential is somewhat limited.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,460) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $31,920, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in this area?
There are approximately 430 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs high in this area?
The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 0.86, is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence of this profession relative to other jobs in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.114 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area