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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area

In the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $34,890. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this less urbanized setting. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall wage structure prevalent in nonmetropolitan economies.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,820.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is characterized by a local workforce of 310 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.53, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially more niche market. The rate of 4.95 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals in this region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,890

The average Cooks, Restaurant in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earns-7.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.8

Weekly

$671

Monthly

$2,908

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant 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 salary distributions within this role highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development over time.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,880$13.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,168$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,960$16.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,613$21
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,820$19.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,890

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $34,890 in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in this region is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the salary offers a standard level of affordability relative to typical expenses.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

4.95

Per 1K Jobs

0.53

Location Quotient

Below Average

West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area has 0.53x 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 0.53 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant are less concentrated in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not oversaturated with these professionals. For job seekers, this could mean fewer opportunities but potentially less competition for available roles, while employers might face challenges in finding a large pool of qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $34,890. This typically ranges from $28,880 for entry-level positions to $40,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 7.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $34,890 is below the national average, and the concentration of jobs (LQ of 0.53) is also lower, indicating less demand relative to national levels.

Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $34,890, which is approximately $2,810 less than the national average of $37,700.

What is the job concentration for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?

The Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks, Restaurant in this area is 0.53, meaning the occupation is less concentrated here than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $34,890 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.

What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in this region?

There are approximately 310 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the West South Dakota 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 310 employees in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.95 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.