SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Sumter, SC

In Sumter, SC, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,120, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, industry demand, and the overall cost of labor within the region, making Sumter's culinary job market unique.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,980.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 300 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.89, Sumter, SC, presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for Cooks, Restaurant. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent presence of these roles, suggesting steady demand within the local hospitality sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,120

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC earns-17.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15

Weekly

$598

Monthly

$2,593

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Sumter, SC

Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the 10th to 90th percentile wage gaps common in the industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$23,280$11.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,340$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,120$14.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,900$18.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,980$17.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,120 in Sumter, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

8.427

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Sumter, SC has 0.89x 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 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC, is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a moderate level of job security for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Columbia, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,460↑ 11%30 mi
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,010↑ 3%32 mi
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,220↑ 7%32 mi
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,920↑ 3%32 mi
Florence, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,580↑ 5%38 mi

Comparing salaries near Sumter, SC

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Sumter, SC?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC is $31,120. This typically ranges from $23,280 for entry-level positions to $36,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Sumter, SC is 17.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Sumter, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,120 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar.

Is Sumter, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Sumter, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Sumter, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,460) and Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Sumter, SC?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Sumter, SC is $31,120.

How does Sumter, SC's cost of living compare to the national average?

Sumter, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC?

With 8.427 jobs per 1,000 workers and a workforce of 300, there is a steady presence and demand for Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC.

How does Sumter, SC's Cook, Restaurant job market compare to the national average concentration?

The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Sumter, SC is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Sumter, SC area with a job density of 8.427 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Sumter, SC