Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,240. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific pay scales in this region are influenced by local market conditions and the overall cost structure of the hospitality industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 930 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.76, the job market in West Kentucky indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals within the region's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-25.1%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,353
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a gradual rise in consumer demand for dining services.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Experience significantly impacts earning potential for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who advance their expertise and responsibilities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,530 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,180 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,300 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $28,240 in West Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
7.17
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.76x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.76 for Cooks, Restaurant in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the market is not saturated, and the demand is relatively stable, offering moderate competition for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,980↑ 17% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,470↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,240↑ 21% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,110↑ 17% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $28,240. This typically ranges from $20,530 for entry-level positions to $35,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 25.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $28,240 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($32,980) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of Cooks in West Kentucky compare nationally?
There are 930 Cooks, Restaurant in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, with 7.17 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national concentration.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?
A Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that there are fewer Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita in West Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a less dense market.
Does experience matter for Cooks in this region?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting a standard career trajectory.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $28,240 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,240 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses are comparable to 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 930 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.17 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area