Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wausau, WI
In Wausau, WI, the average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant positions is $36,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary provides a specific economic context for culinary professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,290.
- Outlook: The Wausau, WI market for Cooks, Restaurant employs approximately 510 individuals, representing a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.77. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average. The rate of 7.235 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary talent within the local workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wausau, WI earns-3.2%below the national average.
$17.5
$702
$3,040
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau's restaurant cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Over the past four years, the culinary industry, like many others, has likely seen incremental salary increases driven by inflation, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff. These factors typically contribute to a gradual enhancement of compensation for cooks.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
The salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Wausau, WI, naturally varies with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps between these levels are indicative of the career progression available, rewarding dedication and expertise with increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,970 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,670 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,600 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,290 | $22.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,480 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Wausau, WI, for Cooks, Restaurant, effectively translates to the national standard in terms of purchasing power. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Wausau is comparable, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
7.235
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 0.77x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.77 for Cooks, Restaurant in Wausau, WI, signifies that the profession is present but not as dominant a feature of the local economy as it is nationally. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers may have a reasonable pool of candidates, but specialized skills or extensive experience could still be highly valued. It implies a stable, rather than rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,850↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,170↓ 6% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,970↓ 7% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,100↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,860↑ 1% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wausau, WI is $36,480. This typically ranges from $26,970 for entry-level positions to $46,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 3.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,480 is below the national average of $37,700, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal wage indicates less earning potential.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($35,850) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Wausau, WI is $36,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Wausau, WI?
Wausau, WI has a Location Quotient of 0.77 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wausau, WI affect a cook's salary?
Wausau, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $36,480 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being slightly lower in nominal terms.
What does the job market look like for cooks in Wausau, WI?
The job market for cooks in Wausau, WI, is stable with 7.235 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 510, suggesting consistent but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 7.235 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 Wausau, WI