SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA

In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, Short Order Cooks earn an average annual salary of $31,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,650, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region influence compensation for this role. While the nominal pay may be lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for evaluating this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 53.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,220.
  • Outlook: The job market for Short Order Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, appears robust, with a total local workforce of approximately 800 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.85 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled cooks.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,630

The average Cooks, Short Order in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-11.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.2

Weekly

$608

Monthly

$2,636

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Salary progression for Short Order Cooks is closely tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with specialized skills or supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, generally signify the career trajectory and earning potential as one moves from novice to senior roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,130$10.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,723$11.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,950$13.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,538$19
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,220$23.2

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,630 for Short Order Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary within the New Orleans-Metairie area is comparable to the national average, indicating a balanced relationship between income and everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

800

Total Jobs

1.808

Per 1K Jobs

1.85

Location Quotient

Major Hub

New Orleans-Metairie, 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.85, New Orleans-Metairie, LA, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Short Order Cooks than the national average. This suggests a strong demand for these professionals within the local economy, potentially making the job market more competitive for employers seeking talent, but also offering more opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $31,630. This typically ranges from $22,130 for entry-level positions to $48,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 11.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Short Order Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation.

Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($30,940) and Hammond, LA.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Short Order Cooks?

A local workforce of 800 suggests a substantial presence of Short Order Cooks, indicating a consistent demand for these roles within the New Orleans-Metairie area's culinary scene.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.85 mean for Short Order Cooks in New Orleans?

A Location Quotient of 1.85 signifies that Short Order Cooks are more than 85% more concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie than the national average, pointing to a higher demand and potentially more job availability relative to other locations.

How does the Cost of Living in New Orleans-Metairie compare to the national average?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly the same as the national average. This implies that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.

Are there many jobs for Short Order Cooks per 1,000 workers in New Orleans-Metairie?

With 1.808 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of Short Order Cook positions, reinforcing the idea of a strong local market for this occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 1.808 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.