Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Fort Wayne, IN is $27,990. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,390.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Wayne, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Fort Wayne, IN earns-21.5%below the national average.
$13.5
$538
$2,333
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Fort Wayne, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 40.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Fort Wayne, IN 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 $17,850, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,390.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,850 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,993 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,340 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,988 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,390 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Wayne, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $27,990 to $27,990.
Job Market Context
190
Total Jobs
0.846
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Fort Wayne, IN has 0.87x 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.
190 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Fort Wayne, IN.
Only 0.846 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,700↑ 3% | 59 mi |
| Muncie, IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,780↑ 14% | 63 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,360↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,910↑ 10% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, IN
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Fort Wayne, IN is $27,990. This typically ranges from $17,850 for entry-level positions to $36,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 21.5% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $27,990 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Wayne, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Elkhart-Goshen, IN ($28,700) and Muncie, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 0.846 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN