Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Tucson, AZ
Cooks in Tucson, AZ, earn an average annual salary of $36,850, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This minor disparity can often be attributed to the specific economic drivers and the demand within the local hospitality sector, which influences compensation for culinary professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,370.
- Outlook: Tucson boasts a substantial workforce of 4,070 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence in the local job market. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, the concentration of these roles in Tucson is higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Tucson, AZ earns-2.3%below the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,071
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Tucson have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the service industry. This upward trajectory is likely driven by inflation, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ
The career path for a Cook, Restaurant in Tucson typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While the average salary stands at $36,850, experienced cooks and those in specialized or supervisory positions can command higher earnings, with significant percentile gaps indicating clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,680 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,638 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,020 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,063 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,370 | $21.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,850 for Cooks in Tucson aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Tucson is comparable to that of a cook in a national average cost-of-living area, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.
Job Market Context
4,070
Total Jobs
10.554
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Tucson, AZ has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Tucson's Location Quotient of 1.12 for Cooks, Restaurant signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the market is not oversaturated but rather has a healthy demand for culinary talent, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,600↓ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Tucson, AZ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Tucson, AZ is $36,850. This typically ranges from $30,680 for entry-level positions to $44,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 2.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with a stable outlook.Tucson offers a salary that matches the national average cost of living and a job market with a higher concentration of roles than the national average, indicating good demand.
Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($34,600) and others.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Tucson?
Experience significantly influences earnings. Entry-level cooks will earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and kitchen managers can expect substantially higher salaries, reflecting their skills and responsibilities.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Tucson?
The outlook is positive, with a Location Quotient above the national average suggesting a strong local demand for restaurant cooks relative to the general workforce.
How does Tucson's cost of living compare nationally?
Tucson's cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the average salary provides a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Are there many restaurant cook jobs in Tucson?
Yes, with 4,070 cooks employed locally and 10.554 jobs per 1,000 workers, Tucson has a significant number of restaurant cook positions available.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,070 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 10.554 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 Tucson, AZ