Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Utah
In Utah, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $37,290, which is marginally lower than the national average of $37,700. This slight disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand within Utah's culinary scene, and the overall cost of doing business for restaurants in the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,770.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,630 individuals in this role, Utah demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Utah earns-1.1%below the national average.
$17.9
$717
$3,108
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Utah's restaurant cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services post-pandemic, and rising food costs likely contribute to upward pressure on wages for these essential kitchen professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Utah
The career trajectory for Cooks, Restaurant in Utah typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles. As cooks gain experience, refine their skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases significantly. The salary distribution, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals, clearly illustrates the financial rewards of career advancement and specialization within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,320 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,968 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,510 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,613 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,770 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,684
Adjusted for COL (104.5)
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Utah stands at $37,290. When contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 104.5, which is 4.5% higher than the national average, the nominal salary's purchasing power is slightly diminished. This means that while the take-home pay is close to the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Utah is somewhat elevated.
Job Market Context
11,630
Total Jobs
6.804
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Utah has 0.72x 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.
Utah's Location Quotient of 0.72 for Cooks, Restaurant indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Utah compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid base of employment, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals. It implies that the demand for cooks is present but not disproportionately high relative to other job sectors within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,570↓ 2% | 13 mi |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,490↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| Ogden, UT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,400↓ 2% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Utah
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Utah?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Utah is $37,290. This typically ranges from $28,320 for entry-level positions to $46,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Utah is 1.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Utah a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $37,290 is close to the national figure, Utah's cost of living is slightly higher, reducing the real value of the salary. The location quotient also suggests a less concentrated job market than the national average.
Is Utah a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Utah is 104.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Utah?
Some top paying nearby cities include Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT ($36,570) and Salt Lake City-Murray, UT.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Utah?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Utah is approximately $37,290.
How does Utah's cost of living compare to the national average?
Utah's cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 104.5, meaning it is 4.5% more expensive.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Utah?
The job market is stable, with a significant local workforce, but the Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests it's less concentrated than the national average, indicating moderate demand.
How many Cooks, Restaurant are employed in Utah?
There are approximately 11,630 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Utah.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,630 employees in the Utah area with a job density of 6.804 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 Utah