Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Lafayette, LA
Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $30,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,650, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific culinary sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,010.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 Cooks, Short Order, and a Location Quotient of 1.89, Lafayette, LA demonstrates a strong concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This indicates a robust demand and a significant presence of this occupation within the local job market, suggesting a stable employment outlook for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA earns-14.1%below the national average.
$14.7
$589
$2,553
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 Lafayette, LA have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This suggests a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in earning potential for this profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Cooks, Short Order. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more, often reaching the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and tenure in the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,580 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,973 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,680 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,288 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,010 | $21.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,630 for Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.84
Per 1K Jobs
1.89
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 1.9x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.89 for Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA signifies that this occupation is more than 89% more concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive market with a substantial number of employers seeking these skilled workers, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also increased competition among applicants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,900↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,670↓ 13% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $27,210↓ 11% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,150↓ 15% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA is $30,630. This typically ranges from $21,580 for entry-level positions to $44,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 14.1% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette, LA ($30,630) is below the national average ($35,650), indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($32,900) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette, LA affect the salary of a Short Order Cook?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette, LA is at the national average. This means the $30,630 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this role, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of real value.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.89 mean for Short Order Cooks in Lafayette?
A Location Quotient of 1.89 indicates that Short Order Cooks are significantly more concentrated in Lafayette, LA than the national average. This suggests a higher demand and a more robust job market for this specific culinary role within the city.
How many Short Order Cooks are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 320 Cooks, Short Order employed within Lafayette, LA, representing a notable segment of the local workforce in the food service industry.
Is the job market for Short Order Cooks growing in Lafayette, LA?
Given the high Location Quotient and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.84), the job market for Short Order Cooks in Lafayette, LA appears to be stable and shows a strong concentration, implying consistent demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.84 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 Lafayette, LA