SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Alabama

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $26,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Alabama's institutional sector likely contribute to this wage differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,250.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,970 individuals in this role, Alabama demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.47. This suggests a robust demand for these professionals within the state, exceeding the national average concentration.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,910

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama earns-29.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.9

Weekly

$518

Monthly

$2,243

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Alabama

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or supervisory roles command higher compensation, reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities. The variance in pay across different experience levels signifies clear opportunities for career advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$18,480$8.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,183$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,780$12.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,638$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,250$17.4

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,545

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average annual salary of $26,910 in Alabama for this role should be considered in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.1. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the nominal salary may be somewhat higher locally than the raw salary figure implies, offering a degree of financial advantage.

Job Market Context

8,970

Total Jobs

4.288

Per 1K Jobs

1.47

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.47, Alabama has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

Alabama's Location Quotient of 1.47 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria indicates a job market that is 47% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these roles within the state, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Montgomery, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$25,210↓ 6%44 mi
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$27,930↑ 4%50 mi
Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$30,250↑ 12%52 mi
Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$28,320↑ 5%77 mi
Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$26,510↓ 1%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Alabama

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama is $26,910. This typically ranges from $18,480 for entry-level positions to $36,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 29.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary of $26,910 significantly trails the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative compensation in Alabama for this profession.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,210) and Birmingham, AL.

How does Alabama's concentration of cooks compare to the national average?

Alabama has a higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, with a Location Quotient of 1.47, meaning the profession is 47% more common in Alabama than across the United States.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Alabama is $26,910.

How does the cost of living in Alabama affect the salary?

Alabama's cost of living is 11.9% lower than the national average (index of 88.1 vs 100), which can help offset the lower nominal salary compared to other states.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Alabama?

With a workforce of nearly 9,000 and a high concentration quotient, the job market for these roles in Alabama appears robust and offers significant opportunities relative to the national landscape.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,970 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 4.288 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama