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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Alaska

Cooks in Alaska are earning an impressive average annual salary of $48,410, substantially higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated pay is largely driven by Alaska's unique economic landscape and the increased costs associated with operating and living in the state. The demand for skilled culinary professionals in institutional and cafeteria settings reflects these regional economic factors.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,390.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.64, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska demonstrates a robust demand. The concentration significantly above the national average suggests that this profession is more prevalent and potentially more stable in Alaska compared to other regions, indicating a healthy and active job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,410

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska earns+27.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.3

Weekly

$931

Monthly

$4,034

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Alaska

As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding seasoned professionals with higher compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$37,270$17.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$36,308$17.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$46,900$22.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$60,513$29.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$60,390$29

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,239

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

The average annual salary of $48,410 in Alaska, while appearing strong, must be considered in light of the state's Cost of Living Index of 126.6. This index indicates that goods and services are approximately 26.6% more expensive than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of $48,410 in Alaska is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,540

Total Jobs

4.782

Per 1K Jobs

1.64

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.64 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska signifies a market that is 64% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand and a more established presence of these roles within the state's workforce. While this indicates a competitive environment with potentially more opportunities, it also means the market is less saturated than in regions with a lower LQ, offering a good balance for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska is $48,410. This typically ranges from $37,270 for entry-level positions to $60,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 27.0% higher than the national median of $38,130.

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

Yes, Alaska offers a lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $48,410 significantly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.64) indicates strong local demand.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Alaska salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska is $48,410, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,130.

What is the Cost of Living in Alaska?

Alaska has a Cost of Living Index of 126.6, meaning it is approximately 26.6% more expensive to live there compared to the national average.

How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are there in Alaska?

There are approximately 1,540 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alaska.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) mean for this role in Alaska?

An LQ of 1.64 indicates that Alaska has a significantly higher concentration of these jobs relative to its workforce compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 4.782 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 Alaska