Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Louisiana
Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $30,230, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales within the state's hospitality sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,670.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,920 Cooks, Short Order, and a Location Quotient of 2.1, Louisiana demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This suggests a robust and established demand for short-order cooks within the state, indicating a stable job market for professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana earns-15.2%below the national average.
$14.5
$581
$2,519
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for quick-service dining options.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Louisiana
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on expertise and leadership within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,140 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,673 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,050 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,788 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,670 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,859
Adjusted for COL (92)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,230 in Louisiana for Cooks, Short Order needs to be viewed in conjunction with the local Cost of Living Index of 92. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of the salary is somewhat enhanced, meaning the lower nominal wage may stretch further in Louisiana compared to higher-cost states.
Job Market Context
3,920
Total Jobs
2.05
Per 1K Jobs
2.1
Location Quotient
Louisiana has 2.1x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.1 for Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana indicates that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a highly competitive or abundant job market, where employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,580↓ 2% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,900↑ 9% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,630↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $25,490↓ 16% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,550↑ 1% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Louisiana
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Louisiana is $30,230. This typically ranges from $21,140 for entry-level positions to $45,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 15.2% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, Louisiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Short Order based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $30,230 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also lower, it doesn't fully offset the reduced earning potential compared to other states.
Is Louisiana a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($29,580) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.05 jobs per 1,000 workers, Louisiana's concentration of short-order cook positions is higher than the national average, reinforcing the idea of a strong local demand for these roles.
What is the total number of short-order cooks in Louisiana?
There are approximately 3,920 Cooks, Short Order employed within the state of Louisiana.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect my salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 92 means that goods and services are, on average, 8% cheaper in Louisiana than the national average. This can make your $30,230 salary have a higher effective purchasing power locally.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.1 mean?
A Location Quotient of 2.1 signifies that Louisiana has a significantly higher proportion of Cooks, Short Order jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, indicating a specialized local market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,920 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 2.05 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 Louisiana