Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Cooks in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, earn an average annual salary of $35,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while demand exists, local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions may influence overall compensation in this Florida locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,640.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.74 indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 650 individuals in this profession, the demand appears robust and suggests a stable employment landscape for restaurant cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wildwood-The Villages, FL earns-4.6%below the national average.
$17.3
$692
$2,998
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wildwood-The Villages is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, rising food costs, and increased demand for dining services likely contribute to a gradual upward adjustment in compensation for these essential culinary professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Salary progression for Cooks in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,690 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,978 | $13 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,720 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,963 | $21.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,640 | $21 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,970 in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
16.396
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
Wildwood-The Villages, FL has 1.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.74, Wildwood-The Villages, FL, exhibits a market where Cooks are more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, but also a healthy demand for culinary talent, offering ample opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the profession within this specific region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ocala, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,530↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,980↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,970↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,160↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,750↓ 3% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is $35,970. This typically ranges from $28,690 for entry-level positions to $43,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 4.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a balanced market.The average salary of $35,970 is slightly lower than the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that your earnings will have average purchasing power.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ocala, FL ($34,530) and Homosassa Springs, FL.
How does the number of local jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Wildwood-The Villages, FL has 16.396 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local demand for this profession.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
There are approximately 650 Cooks employed in the Wildwood-The Villages, FL area, reflecting a substantial local workforce in this culinary role.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in this area?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn more than entry-level positions, with salary percentiles reflecting this progression.
How does the concentration of Cooks in Wildwood-The Villages compare to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 1.74 signifies that Cooks are 74% more concentrated in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a larger proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Wildwood-The Villages, FL area with a job density of 16.396 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 Wildwood-The Villages, FL