SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

In Memphis, TN-MS-AR, Short Order Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $29,890. This figure falls below the national average of $35,650, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local culinary landscape. The cost of living in Memphis being at the national average suggests that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,030.
  • Outlook: The Memphis area supports a local workforce of 520 Short Order Cooks, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 0.846. The Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the immediate region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,890

The average Cooks, Short Order in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-16.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.4

Weekly

$575

Monthly

$2,491

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

For Short Order Cooks in Memphis, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles of the salary range.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,770$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,418$10.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,000$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,363$18
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,030$18.8

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,890

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,890 for Short Order Cooks in Memphis 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 this salary within Memphis is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

520

Total Jobs

0.846

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.87x 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 0.87, the job market for Short Order Cooks in Memphis is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the supply of these positions may not be as abundant relative to the overall workforce compared to other regions, indicating a moderately competitive market.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $29,890. This typically ranges from $21,770 for entry-level positions to $39,030 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 16.2% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Order?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,890 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while expenses are average, earning potential is somewhat diminished.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

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

What is the average salary for a Short Order Cook in Memphis?

The average annual salary for a Short Order Cook in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $29,890.

How does the Memphis salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Memphis ($29,890) is lower than the national average ($35,650).

What is the Cost of Living in Memphis relative to the nation?

Memphis has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for Short Order Cooks in Memphis?

The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.87.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 0.846 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.