Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY
Cooks in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, earn an average annual salary of $37,670. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $37,700, indicating a stable compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Watertown-Fort Drum area play a significant role in aligning these wages with broader national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,870.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, appears moderately stable, with a total workforce of 340 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is slightly below the national average, implying a balanced but not overly saturated market. With 8.741 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY earns-0.1%below the national average.
$18.1
$724
$3,139
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Watertown-Fort Drum is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for restaurants, and a steady demand for skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to incremental salary increases, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic environment.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY
Salary progression for Cooks in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior cooks and culinary managers occupying the higher salary brackets, reflecting their increased responsibilities and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,253 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,088 | $22.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,870 | $21.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,670 in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
8.741
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Watertown-Fort Drum, NY has 0.93x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market for Cooks in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive environment where the number of available positions is relatively balanced with the number of individuals seeking employment in this field. While not exceptionally abundant, the market offers steady opportunities for skilled culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,210↑ 4% | 66 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,770↑ 6% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Watertown-Fort Drum, NY
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY is $37,670. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $44,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY is 0.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Watertown-Fort Drum, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but offers stable compensation.The average salary of $37,670 is on par with the national average, and the Cost of Living is also at the national average. This indicates a balanced financial landscape rather than a highly lucrative one for cooks.
Is Watertown-Fort Drum, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Watertown-Fort Drum, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Syracuse, NY ($39,210) and Utica-Rome, NY.
How does the cost of living in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY affect a cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, is 100, which is the national average. This means the $37,670 average salary for Cooks has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating no significant financial advantage or disadvantage due to local living expenses.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, is 0.93. This signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive job market.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY?
There are approximately 8.741 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY. This metric provides insight into the relative prevalence of these roles within the local workforce.
What is the total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in Watertown-Fort Drum, NY, is 340 individuals. This number helps contextualize the job market size and potential opportunities within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Watertown-Fort Drum, NY area with a job density of 8.741 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 Watertown-Fort Drum, NY