Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The average salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $35,210. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,220.
- 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-1.2%below the national average.
$16.9
$677
$2,934
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 51.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Lexington-Fayette, KY 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 $23,390, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $46,220.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,390 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,408 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,000 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,013 | $21.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,220 | $22.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $35,210 to $35,210.
Job Market Context
190
Total Jobs
0.665
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.68x 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY.
Only 0.665 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,270↓ 20% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,830↓ 24% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $26,460↓ 25% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,340↓ 11% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $35,210. This typically ranges from $23,390 for entry-level positions to $46,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 1.2% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $35,210 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lexington-Fayette, KY. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($28,270) and South Central Kentucky 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 190 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 0.665 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY