Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,680. This figure falls notably below the national average of $37,700. The lower compensation in this region is often attributed to a combination of factors, including local economic conditions and the specific demand for culinary professionals in nonmetropolitan settings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,130.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, the market for Cooks in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears stable, though not experiencing explosive growth. The location quotient of 0.61 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a moderate demand relative to the overall job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-21.3%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks have seen gradual increases over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the country. These incremental gains are typical for many service industry roles.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear career progression opportunities for dedicated professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,120 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,100 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,130 | $17.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,680 in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
5.759
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.61x 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 0.61 indicates that Cooks are less prevalent in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for this profession is not oversaturated, potentially offering a reasonable number of opportunities for qualified individuals, though it also implies less specialized demand than in more concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,330↑ 6% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,610↑ 10% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,690↑ 7% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,370↑ 2% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,920↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $29,680. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $36,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 21.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place.The average salary of $29,680 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall earning potential is diminished.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,330) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 5.759 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is less concentrated in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average, indicating fewer opportunities relative to the general workforce.
What is the impact of the low location quotient on job availability?
A location quotient below 1.0, like 0.61, suggests that there are fewer Cooks per capita in this region compared to the nation. This could mean less competition for jobs but also potentially fewer specialized or high-paying roles.
Does the cost of living offset the lower salary?
The cost of living index is exactly 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the lower salary does not benefit from a reduced cost of living, meaning the purchasing power is directly impacted by the lower wage.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about the job market?
A workforce of 370 individuals indicates a moderately sized, established market for Cooks, rather than a rapidly expanding or nascent one.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.759 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area