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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Valdosta, GA

Cooks in Valdosta, Georgia, earn an average annual salary of $28,970, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demands of the regional job market, and the overall cost of doing business within Valdosta.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,870.
  • Outlook: Valdosta, GA, supports a local workforce of 680 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.34, indicating a concentration 34% higher than the national average, there is a clear local demand for these culinary professionals, suggesting a relatively stable job market for cooks in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,970

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Valdosta, GA earns-23.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.9

Weekly

$557

Monthly

$2,414

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA

Salary progression for Cooks in Valdosta, GA, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs or cooks with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the value placed on expertise and proven performance in the kitchen.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,290$10.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,728$10.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,960$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,213$17.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,870$17.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,970

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,970 in Valdosta, GA, 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 salary within Valdosta is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that everyday expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than elsewhere in the country.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

12.608

Per 1K Jobs

1.34

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.34, Valdosta, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

Valdosta, GA, exhibits a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.34. This suggests that the culinary sector is a more significant part of Valdosta's economy relative to other industries, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a more competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Tallahassee, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,340↑ 15%64 mi
Albany, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$30,140↑ 4%73 mi
Gainesville, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,190↑ 21%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Valdosta, GA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Valdosta, GA is $28,970. This typically ranges from $22,290 for entry-level positions to $35,870 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 23.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Valdosta, GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, Valdosta, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average salary of $28,970 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Valdosta, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tallahassee, FL ($33,340) and Albany, GA.

How does the number of cooks in Valdosta compare to the national average?

Valdosta has 12.608 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater concentration of these roles locally.

What is the total number of cooks employed in Valdosta?

There are approximately 680 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Valdosta, GA.

Does experience impact a cook's salary in Valdosta?

Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences a cook's earning potential in Valdosta, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.

How does Valdosta's cost of living affect the cook's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Valdosta's cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the lower-than-average salary of $28,970 means the purchasing power is also below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 12.608 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 Valdosta, GA