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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,990. This figure significantly trails the national average of $37,700, indicating a distinct regional compensation structure. Factors such as local economic conditions and the demand for culinary services likely contribute to this pay disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,240.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 360 Cooks, Restaurant, the job market in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area presents a modest employment base. The location quotient of 0.47 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand for these roles within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,990

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-31.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.5

Weekly

$500

Monthly

$2,166

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role highlight the career advancement opportunities available to those who build their expertise and take on greater responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$19,780$9.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,493$9.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$24,420$11.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,488$15.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,240$16.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $25,990 in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is not a significant detractor from the salary's value.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

4.463

Per 1K Jobs

0.47

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.47x, Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.47 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the region than it is nationally. This suggests that the job market may not be as competitive, potentially offering more opportunities for individuals seeking employment, but also signaling a lower overall demand or a less specialized culinary industry compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $25,990. This typically ranges from $19,780 for entry-level positions to $34,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 31.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative area for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $25,990 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.

Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($27,910) and Baton Rouge, LA.

How does the local Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn approximately $25,990 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this region?

The region has a lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average, as indicated by a location quotient of 0.47.

Does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in Southwest Louisiana?

The cost of living in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $25,990 offers a comparable purchasing power to the national average salary.

How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?

There are approximately 360 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.463 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.