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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Knoxville, TN

Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $28,560, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, including the overall demand for specific culinary roles and the prevailing wage scales within the region's hospitality sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,390.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66. With a total local workforce of 270 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable but not exceptionally high compared to national benchmarks, suggesting a consistent but not rapidly expanding employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,560

The average Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN earns-19.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.7

Weekly

$549

Monthly

$2,380

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

Career progression for Cooks, Short Order typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. As individuals gain more experience, their earning potential increases, reflected in higher percentile salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior positions signifies opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,840$10
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,420$10.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,580$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,700$17.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,390$18.5

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,560

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,560 in Knoxville, TN, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Knoxville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.64

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Knoxville, TN has 0.66x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the market for Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN, is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the role is present, it is not a dominant employment sector within the local economy compared to other regions, suggesting a moderate level of competition and availability of positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

CitySalaryDist.
Morristown, TN Cooks, Short Order Salary$26,470↓ 7%40 mi
Cleveland, TN Cooks, Short Order Salary$24,690↓ 14%75 mi
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Short Order Salary$27,940↓ 2%87 mi
Johnson City, TN Cooks, Short Order Salary$28,980↑ 1%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN is $28,560. This typically ranges from $20,840 for entry-level positions to $38,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 19.9% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, Knoxville, TN is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders.The average salary of $28,560 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other areas.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($26,470) and Cleveland, TN.

How does the Knoxville salary compare to the national average for Short Order Cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Knoxville, TN is $28,560, which is approximately $7,090 less than the national average of $35,650.

What is the concentration of Short Order Cooks in Knoxville, TN?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.66, indicating that this profession is less prevalent in Knoxville compared to the national average.

How does the Cost of Living in Knoxville affect the salary?

Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,560 salary has average purchasing power locally.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Short Order Cooks in Knoxville?

With 0.64 jobs per 1,000 workers, the role of Short Order Cook represents a small but consistent presence within Knoxville's overall employment landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.64 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN