Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in U.S.
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. stands at $37,700, precisely aligning with the national average. This parity suggests that the economic factors influencing compensation for this role in U.S. are currently in equilibrium with the broader national landscape. While specific local market dynamics can cause fluctuations, the current data indicates a stable pay environment for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,320.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 1,442,390 individuals, the restaurant cook profession represents a significant segment of the U.S. labor market. The absence of a specific Location Quotient (LQ) means we compare directly to the national average concentration, indicating that the density of these jobs in U.S. is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to national trends. This large workforce size, however, points to consistent demand and a robust job market for cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. earns-0.0%below the national average.
$18.1
$725
$3,142
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for U.S. is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing demand for dining services typically drive upward pressure on wages in the food service industry. This suggests that cooks in U.S. have likely seen their earning potential increase over time.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in U.S.
The career path for a Cook, Restaurant typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is not available, it is understood that experienced cooks, those with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities, command higher salaries than their less experienced counterparts. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,000 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,275 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,810 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,125 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,320 | $22.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $37,700 in U.S. is perfectly balanced by the Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in U.S. is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, relocating to U.S. for this role is unlikely to result in a significant change in lifestyle affordability compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
1,442,390
Total Jobs
N/A
Per 1K Jobs
N/A
Location Quotient
The Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. is not provided, making a direct comparison of job concentration against the national average impossible. However, the sheer size of the local workforce (1,442,390) suggests a highly active and competitive market. This large pool of workers indicates a steady demand for restaurant cooks, but also implies that competition for desirable positions may be significant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MO-KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,790↓ 16% | 67 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,690↓ 11% | 67 mi |
| Wichita, KS Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,520↓ 14% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near U.S.
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in U.S.?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. is $37,700. This typically ranges from $28,000 for entry-level positions to $47,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in U.S. is 0.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is U.S. a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. is $37,700, which exactly matches the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the earning potential offers standard national purchasing power without significant upside.
Is U.S. a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near U.S.?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($31,790) and Tulsa, OK.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in U.S.?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in U.S. is $37,700.
How does the U.S. salary for Cooks, Restaurant compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. ($37,700) is identical to the national average salary.
What is the Cost of Living in U.S. compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How large is the workforce of Cooks, Restaurant in U.S.?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in U.S. is 1,442,390 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,442,390 employees in the U.S. area with a job density of 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 U.S.