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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wisconsin

Cooks in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $37,080, which is marginally lower than the national average of $37,700. This slight difference can often be attributed to regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's culinary sector, influencing overall compensation levels for these essential food service professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,080 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,030.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 24,360 individuals, the restaurant cook profession in Wisconsin represents a significant segment of the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent across various establishments.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,080

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wisconsin earns-1.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.8

Weekly

$713

Monthly

$3,090

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wisconsin

The salary spectrum for Cooks, Restaurant in Wisconsin widens considerably with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and specialized cooks command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career progression, reflecting the value placed on acquired skills, leadership, and expertise within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,980$13.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,810$13.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,940$17.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,350$22.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,030$22.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,080

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,348

Adjusted for COL (91.9)

The average annual salary of $37,080 in Wisconsin presents a favorable financial situation when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal income earned by cooks in Wisconsin offers a relatively strong purchasing power, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Job Market Context

24,360

Total Jobs

8.333

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Wisconsin has 0.88x 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 0.88 for Cooks, Restaurant in Wisconsin signifies that the proportion of these jobs relative to the total workforce is slightly less than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market, where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Wausau, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,480↓ 2%48 mi
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,250↓ 2%55 mi
Appleton, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,860↓ 1%61 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,250↓ 5%68 mi
Green Bay, WI Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,840↓ 1%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Wisconsin

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wisconsin is $37,080. This typically ranges from $27,980 for entry-level positions to $47,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 1.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $37,080 is close to the national figure, it is slightly lower. However, the lower cost of living index of 91.9 does make the earnings more competitive in terms of purchasing power.

Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wisconsin?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($36,480) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Wisconsin?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Wisconsin is approximately $37,080.

How does Wisconsin's cost of living compare to the national average?

Wisconsin's cost of living is below the national average, with an index of 91.9 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Wisconsin?

There are approximately 24,360 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Wisconsin.

Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in Wisconsin?

The job market is stable, with a significant workforce size, though the concentration (Location Quotient) is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,360 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 8.333 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wisconsin