Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,180, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services in nonmetropolitan settings, and the overall cost structure of businesses operating within these areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,680.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is supported by a local workforce of 780 individuals. While the location quotient of 0.69 suggests a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of a stable workforce indicates ongoing demand within the region's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-19.9%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,515
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and role is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments across the United States. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local market, despite potential regional economic fluctuations.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,260 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,635 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,480 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,725 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,680 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,180 in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area 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 average, suggesting that everyday expenses are comparable.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
6.539
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.69x 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 0.69, the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not as dominant a sector compared to other regions, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for employers seeking talent, but also fewer opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,160↑ 26% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,360↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,380↑ 11% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,760↑ 5% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,760↓ 1% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $30,180. This typically ranges from $20,260 for entry-level positions to $41,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 19.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $30,180 is significantly lower than the national average, and the location quotient suggests a lower concentration of these jobs compared to the rest of the country.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($38,160) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $30,180, which is approximately $7,520 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in this area?
There are approximately 780 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Cooks, Restaurant in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs is lower than the national average, indicating moderate rather than 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 780 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.539 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area