Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Kentucky
Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $31,440, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's hospitality sector, and the prevailing wage scales that are characteristic of the Kentucky labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,300.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,020 Cooks, Short Order, Kentucky presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.52 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky earns-11.8%below the national average.
$15.1
$605
$2,620
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for dining services, and efforts to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky, as elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding greater expertise and responsibility within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,580 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,300 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,300 | $20.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,011
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $31,440 in Kentucky for Cooks, Short Order is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary, while lower than the national average, may offer a comparable or even slightly better purchasing power for residents within Kentucky.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
0.512
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 0.52x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.52 for Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky signifies that the concentration of these jobs is less than half of the national average. This suggests that the job market for short order cooks in Kentucky is less saturated than in many other states, potentially offering a more competitive environment for job seekers looking to enter or advance in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Short Order Salary | $35,210↑ 12% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,340↓ 0% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $33,380↑ 6% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Kentucky is $31,440. This typically ranges from $22,260 for entry-level positions to $42,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 11.8% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, Kentucky is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,440 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,650, and the lower concentration of jobs suggests less robust demand.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($35,210) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect a Short Order Cook's salary?
Kentucky's cost of living is below the national average (89.8), meaning the $31,440 salary may offer better purchasing power locally than a similar salary in a high-cost state.
What is the job market like for Short Order Cooks in Kentucky?
The job market has a moderate workforce size (1,020) and a lower concentration (LQ 0.52), indicating a stable but not overly competitive or rapidly growing demand for these roles.
Can experience significantly increase a Short Order Cook's salary in Kentucky?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills and proven track records can command higher salaries than entry-level positions.
How does Kentucky compare to the national average for Short Order Cook salaries?
Kentucky's average salary of $31,440 is below the national average of $35,650, suggesting lower overall compensation for this role within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.512 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 Kentucky