Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Cooks in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $36,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a nuanced compensation landscape in this vibrant Florida region. Local economic factors and the specific demands of the hospitality sector likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,620.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 18,760 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 1.38, this region shows a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a dynamic job market for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-3.6%below the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,028
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the service industry. This upward trajectory is often driven by inflation, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,680 | $14.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,255 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,620 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,425 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,620 | $21 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,340 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
18,760
Total Jobs
13.006
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.38 for Cooks, Restaurant in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater indicates a market where these roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for culinary talent, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,750↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,920↑ 21% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,340↑ 11% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,980↓ 6% | 60 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,970↓ 1% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $36,340. This typically ranges from $29,680 for entry-level positions to $43,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 3.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately so, with average earnings aligning with the national cost of living.While the average salary of $36,340 is slightly below the national average, it is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100. The strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.38) suggests good employment opportunities.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($34,750) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $36,340, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in this Florida region?
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area has a Location Quotient of 1.38 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in Tampa?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $36,340 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With 18,760 Cooks, Restaurant employed locally, the size of the workforce suggests a significant presence and ongoing demand for culinary professionals in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,760 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 13.006 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL