Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in South Carolina
Cooks, Short Order in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $29,420, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall demand for these specific roles within the state, and the prevailing wage scales that characterize the South Carolina labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,270 Cooks, Short Order and a Location Quotient of 0.57, the job market in South Carolina indicates a concentration below the national average. This suggests that while the role exists, it is not as densely populated or in as high demand relative to other occupations compared to the national landscape, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in South Carolina earns-17.5%below the national average.
$14.2
$566
$2,452
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cooks, Short Order salaries in South Carolina over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in most sectors, including food service, have experienced incremental growth. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a gradual upward pressure on wages to attract and retain staff in a competitive environment.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in South Carolina
For Cooks, Short Order in South Carolina, salary progression typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and tenure within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,065 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,180 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,775 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,840 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,678
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,420 in South Carolina for Cooks, Short Order needs to be viewed in the context of the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 95.9 (slightly below the national average of 100). This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also marginally less expensive, offering a somewhat comparable purchasing power.
Job Market Context
1,270
Total Jobs
0.558
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
South Carolina has 0.57x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.57 for Cooks, Short Order in South Carolina signifies that this occupation is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is less saturated, potentially offering fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce size when compared to national trends, but also possibly indicating less intense competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,430↓ 3% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $27,050↓ 8% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $25,490↓ 13% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $30,850↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in South Carolina is $29,420. This typically ranges from $22,410 for entry-level positions to $34,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 17.5% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, South Carolina is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders.The average annual salary of $29,420 is significantly lower than the national average, and the job market concentration is below the national benchmark.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($28,430) and Florence, SC.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect a Short Order Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9, South Carolina is slightly cheaper than the national average. This means the $29,420 salary, while lower than the national average, may offer a comparable or slightly better purchasing power for residents.
What is the job market like for Short Order Cooks in South Carolina?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.57. This suggests fewer jobs per capita compared to the rest of the US, implying a stable but not booming demand.
How many Short Order Cooks are there in South Carolina?
There are approximately 1,270 Cooks, Short Order employed within South Carolina, representing a small fraction of the overall state workforce.
Can experience significantly increase a Short Order Cook's salary in South Carolina?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. More experienced Cooks, Short Order, particularly those with advanced skills or supervisory roles, can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.558 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Short Order Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Carolina
- All Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Production Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Management Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Browse All Jobs in South Carolina →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Carolina