Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Terre Haute, IN
Cooks in Terre Haute, Indiana, earn an average annual salary of $31,280, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the cost of doing business within the region, and the specific demand dynamics for culinary professionals in Terre Haute.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 650 Cooks, Restaurant, Terre Haute presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.08 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady, consistent demand that aligns with the size of the local culinary sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Terre Haute, IN earns-17.0%below the national average.
$15
$602
$2,607
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Terre Haute'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. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual salary increases for most occupations, including those in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Terre Haute, IN
The career trajectory for a Cook, Restaurant in Terre Haute typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,960 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,460 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,500 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,200 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,280 in Terre Haute 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 income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
10.136
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Terre Haute, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Terre Haute's Location Quotient of 1.08 for Cooks, Restaurant indicates a job market where this profession is slightly more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a healthy, stable demand for culinary talent that is well-integrated into the local economy, without being overly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,220↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,600↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,770↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,900↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↑ 12% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Terre Haute, IN
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Terre Haute, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Terre Haute, IN is $31,280. This typically ranges from $23,960 for entry-level positions to $37,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Terre Haute, IN is 17.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Terre Haute, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Terre Haute is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Terre Haute, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Terre Haute, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Terre Haute, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($33,220) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Terre Haute, IN is $31,280, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Terre Haute, IN?
Terre Haute, IN has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Terre Haute?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.08.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Terre Haute?
There are approximately 650 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Terre Haute, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Terre Haute, IN area with a job density of 10.136 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 Terre Haute, IN
- All Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Terre Haute, IN
- Browse All Jobs in Terre Haute, IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Terre Haute, IN