Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $26,910. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,730.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 40 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-24.5%below the national average.
$12.9
$518
$2,243
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have shown healthy growth of 15.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Auburn-Opelika, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $21,840, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $35,730.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,840 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,183 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,030 | $12 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,638 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $26,910 to $26,910.
Job Market Context
40
Total Jobs
0.577
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 0.59x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
40 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
Only 0.577 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Short Order roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,020↑ 15% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $26,910. This typically ranges from $21,840 for entry-level positions to $35,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 24.5% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $26,910 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Auburn-Opelika, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($31,020) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 40 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 0.577 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Short Order Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL