Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Spartanburg, SC
Cooks in Spartanburg, SC, earn an average annual salary of $34,580. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in many regional markets where local economic factors and demand influence compensation levels. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,240 Cooks, Spartanburg presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests that while the profession is present, it's not disproportionately represented compared to national trends, indicating a steady but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Spartanburg, SC earns-8.3%below the national average.
$16.6
$665
$2,882
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Spartanburg, SC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a generally positive, albeit modest, trajectory for compensation in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Spartanburg, SC
The salary range for Cooks in Spartanburg, SC, typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,410 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,935 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,640 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,225 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,360 | $21.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,580 in Spartanburg, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in Spartanburg holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
7.554
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Spartanburg, SC has 0.80x 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 0.8 for Cooks in Spartanburg, SC, indicates that the concentration of this profession is slightly below the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers may have a reasonable pool of candidates, but specialized skills or experience could still be highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,320↓ 1% | 26 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,590↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,700↑ 6% | 64 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,460↓ 0% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Spartanburg, SC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Spartanburg, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Spartanburg, SC is $34,580. This typically ranges from $23,410 for entry-level positions to $44,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Spartanburg, SC is 8.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Spartanburg, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,580 is below the national average, and the job market concentration is also slightly lower than the national benchmark.
Is Spartanburg, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Spartanburg, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Spartanburg, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($34,320) and Asheville, NC.
How does the cost of living in Spartanburg, SC affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Spartanburg's cost of living is on par with the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $34,580 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Spartanburg, SC?
The job outlook appears stable. The presence of 1,240 cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.8 suggest consistent demand without an oversupply of labor, indicating steady employment opportunities.
How much more can an experienced cook earn in Spartanburg, SC?
While specific figures vary, experienced cooks in Spartanburg can expect to earn significantly more than entry-level positions, with salaries climbing into higher percentiles as culinary skills and responsibilities increase.
Is Spartanburg, SC a good place for a cook to start their career?
Spartanburg offers a stable market for entry-level cooks. While the starting salary may be modest, the cost of living is average, and there are opportunities for career progression with experience.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Spartanburg, SC area with a job density of 7.554 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 Spartanburg, SC