Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $27,890. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-21.8%below the national average.
$13.4
$536
$2,324
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Lafayette-West Lafayette, 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 $17,870, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,870 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,918 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,630 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,863 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,590 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $27,890 to $27,890.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
0.951
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.98x 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.
100 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN.
Only 0.951 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,360↑ 5% | 39 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,110↑ 4% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,240↑ 1% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,340↑ 12% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $27,890. This typically ranges from $17,870 for entry-level positions to $36,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 21.8% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $27,890 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($29,360) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 0.951 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-West Lafayette, IN