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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Tennessee

Cooks in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $35,030, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall cost of living and the specific demand dynamics within the state's hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,740.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 27,300 Cooks, Tennessee demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average, the sheer volume indicates a robust and active job market for restaurant cooks across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,030

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Tennessee earns-7.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$674

Monthly

$2,919

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Tennessee

Salary progression for Cooks in Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay distribution. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for career advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,150$11.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,273$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,810$17.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,788$21.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,740$21.5

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,750

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $35,030 in Tennessee aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This means that the nominal income earned by cooks in the state generally offers a good purchasing power, as expenses are, on average, lower than the national average.

Job Market Context

27,300

Total Jobs

8.338

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tennessee 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 Tennessee has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,160↑ 9%29 mi
Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,360↓ 10%67 mi
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,380↓ 5%73 mi
Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,760↓ 9%83 mi
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,760↓ 15%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Tennessee

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Tennessee is $35,030. This typically ranges from $24,150 for entry-level positions to $44,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 7.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $35,030 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living means your earnings can still provide a comfortable lifestyle.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($38,160) and Clarksville, TN-KY.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Tennessee?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Tennessee is approximately $35,030.

How does Tennessee's cost of living compare to the national average?

Tennessee has a cost of living index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100, making it more affordable than many other states.

How many Cooks are employed in Tennessee?

There are approximately 27,300 Cooks employed in Tennessee, representing 8.338 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Is the job market for Cooks growing in Tennessee?

While specific growth rates aren't provided, the substantial workforce size and a Location Quotient near the national average suggest a stable and active job market for Cooks in Tennessee.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,300 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 8.338 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 Tennessee