Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,200, slightly exceeding the national average of $37,700. This marginal advantage is influenced by the unique economic landscape and demand dynamics specific to this region, which often necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain culinary talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,570.
- Outlook: The West Montana nonmetropolitan area supports a robust culinary workforce of 1,430 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.83, indicating a concentration nearly double the national average, this suggests a strong and sustained demand for these roles within the local economy, pointing to a stable job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in West Montana nonmetropolitan area earns+1.3%above the national average.
$18.4
$735
$3,183
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing demand for dining services and a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often found in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,140 | $12.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,650 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,530 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,750 | $23 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,570 | $23.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,200 in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,430
Total Jobs
17.194
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
West Montana nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.83 for Cooks, Restaurant in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area signifies a job market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for these professionals compared to other occupations within the region, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,500↓ 4% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,010↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $41,600↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $38,200. This typically ranges from $25,140 for entry-level positions to $49,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 1.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $38,200 slightly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.83) indicates strong local demand.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,500) and Helena, MT.
How does the West Montana salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average of $38,200 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for Cooks in this area?
The job market is robust, with a total local workforce of 1,430 Cooks and a Location Quotient of 1.83, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary value?
No, the cost of living in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100), meaning the $38,200 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there per 1,000 workers in West Montana?
There are approximately 17.194 jobs for Cooks, Restaurant per 1,000 workers in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,430 employees in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 17.194 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area