Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
In the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area, Short Order Cooks earn an average annual salary of $31,470. This figure falls below the national average of $35,650, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles outside major urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region influences compensation levels for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,440.
- Outlook: The job market for Short Order Cooks in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 320 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 5.25 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to a strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earns-11.7%below the national average.
$15.1
$605
$2,623
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West South Dakota is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for businesses, and a growing appreciation for skilled culinary labor likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining the earning potential for Short Order Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between lower and higher percentile salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning capacity within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,000 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,603 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,460 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,338 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,440 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,470 for Short Order Cooks in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
5.123
Per 1K Jobs
5.25
Location Quotient
West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area has 5.3x 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 5.25, the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Short Order Cooks, indicating that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than in the nation as a whole. This high concentration suggests a strong local demand for these skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size and a specialized culinary labor market.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $31,470. This typically ranges from $26,000 for entry-level positions to $37,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 11.7% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Order?
No, but cost of living is balanced.While the average salary of $31,470 is below the national average, the local Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national average.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Short Order Cooks in West South Dakota is $31,470, which is approximately $4,180 less than the national average of $35,650.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.25 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 5.25 indicates that Short Order Cooks are much more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a potentially higher demand and more available positions relative to other areas.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of $31,470 in West South Dakota is equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Short Order Cooks in this area?
There are approximately 320 Short Order Cooks employed in the West South Dakota 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 320 employees in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.123 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 West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area