Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this locale. The concentration of this role within the local economy also plays a part in shaping compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,530.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,040 Cooks, Restaurant, this sector represents a notable segment of the regional employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 8.105 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent presence of these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-9.9%below the national average.
$16.3
$653
$2,831
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase is typical for service-oriented roles in nonmetropolitan regions, driven by local demand and cost-of-living adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs or kitchen managers with extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,970 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,478 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,980 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,463 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,530 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,970 in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a cook in this region holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,040
Total Jobs
8.105
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 0.86x 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 0.86 for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan areas indicates that this profession is slightly less prevalent than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (8.105) confirms a steady, consistent need for these culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,480↑ 7% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,250↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,860↑ 9% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,250↑ 4% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,840↑ 8% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $33,970. This typically ranges from $23,970 for entry-level positions to $44,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 9.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $33,970 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are manageable, earning potential is somewhat limited in this region.
Is Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($36,480) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan areas is $33,970, which is below the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.86, indicating that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in the local workforce?
There are approximately 1,040 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Western Wisconsin 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 1,040 employees in the Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.105 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 Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area