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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Baton Rouge, LA

Cooks, Short Order in Baton Rouge, LA, earn an average annual salary of $32,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,650, a common trend in localized markets where regional economic factors and the cost of labor can influence compensation. The specific demand and supply dynamics within the Baton Rouge culinary scene play a significant role in setting this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,270.
  • Outlook: Baton Rouge presents a moderately concentrated job market for Cooks, Short Order, with a total local workforce of 660 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.69 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand or a specialized culinary industry presence within the area that supports these positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,900

The average Cooks, Short Order in Baton Rouge, LA earns-7.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.8

Weekly

$633

Monthly

$2,742

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Baton Rouge, LA

Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,690$10.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,675$11.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,540$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,125$19.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$47,270$22.7

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,900 for Cooks, Short Order in Baton Rouge aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains stable.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

1.648

Per 1K Jobs

1.69

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Baton Rouge, LA has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Short Order 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 1.69, Baton Rouge demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the market is more active and potentially more competitive for these roles, offering more opportunities but also indicating a potentially larger pool of qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Baton Rouge, LA

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Baton Rouge, LA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Baton Rouge, LA is $32,900. This typically ranges from $21,690 for entry-level positions to $47,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Baton Rouge, LA is 7.7% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Baton Rouge, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, not exceptionally lucrative.While the cost of living is average, the salary of $32,900 is below the national average, indicating less financial advantage compared to other regions.

Is Baton Rouge, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in Baton Rouge, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Baton Rouge, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hammond, LA ($30,550) and Lafayette, LA.

How does the number of local jobs compare nationally?

With 1.648 jobs per 1,000 workers, Baton Rouge has a slightly higher density of Cook, Short Order positions than the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?

An LQ of 1.69 means there are 69% more Cooks, Short Order jobs in Baton Rouge than what would be expected based on the national average distribution of jobs.

Does experience impact salary for this role in Baton Rouge?

Yes, like most professions, experienced Cooks, Short Order typically earn more than entry-level individuals due to acquired skills and efficiency.

How does Baton Rouge's cost of living affect the salary?

The cost of living index being at 100 means your $32,900 salary in Baton Rouge has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Baton Rouge, LA area with a job density of 1.648 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.