Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in St. Cloud, MN
Cooks in St. Cloud, MN, earn an average annual salary of $36,550, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This minor difference can be attributed to local economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals within the St. Cloud metropolitan area. The concentration of restaurants and the overall labor market dynamics play a crucial role in shaping compensation for these vital food service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,870.
- Outlook: The St. Cloud, MN job market for Cooks, Restaurant, shows a steady presence with a total local workforce of 840 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated demand. With 8.114 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for skilled cooks within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in St. Cloud, MN earns-3.1%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,046
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Cloud's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining experiences, and a growing awareness of the value of skilled culinary labor likely contribute to modest salary growth for cooks in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in St. Cloud, MN
Salary progression for Cooks in St. Cloud, MN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding those who hone their craft and take on greater responsibilities within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,110 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,413 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,180 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,688 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,870 | $21.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,550 in St. Cloud, MN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings are neither significantly inflated nor depressed by living expenses.
Job Market Context
840
Total Jobs
8.114
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
St. Cloud, MN 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, St. Cloud, MN, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in larger metropolitan areas. This could translate to a more accessible job market for qualified individuals seeking employment in this field within St. Cloud.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,150↓ 1% | 17 mi |
| Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,660↓ 2% | 17 mi |
| Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,320↓ 3% | 17 mi |
| Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,580↑ 0% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,830↑ 14% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Cloud, MN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in St. Cloud, MN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in St. Cloud, MN is $36,550. This typically ranges from $27,110 for entry-level positions to $44,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Cloud, MN is 3.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is St. Cloud, MN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,550 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential for cooks in the region.
Is St. Cloud, MN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Cloud, MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area ($36,150) and Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.
How does the St. Cloud cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in St. Cloud, MN, is $36,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for cooks in St. Cloud, MN?
The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 840 and a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.86), indicating consistent demand without oversaturation.
Does the cost of living in St. Cloud affect the cook's salary?
No, the cost of living in St. Cloud is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $36,550 salary has average purchasing power.
How much does experience impact a cook's salary in St. Cloud?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level cooks earning less and senior or specialized cooks commanding higher wages, reflecting clear career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the St. Cloud, MN area with a job density of 8.114 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 St. Cloud, MN
- All Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Production Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Management Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN
- Browse All Jobs in St. Cloud, MN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Cloud, MN