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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $42,580. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local demand or operating costs may be influencing compensation. The specific economic landscape and operational needs within this region contribute to the elevated pay for these essential food service roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,240.
  • Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy region supports a local workforce of 870 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally dense job market. The presence of nearly 2 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for skilled culinary professionals within institutional and cafeteria settings.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,580

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+11.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.5

Weekly

$819

Monthly

$3,548

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically correlates with increased earnings. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs and kitchen managers with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this scaling, with senior roles occupying the upper echelons of compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,360$17
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,935$15.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$41,010$19.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$53,225$25.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$51,240$24.6

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,580

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,580 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

870

Total Jobs

1.968

Per 1K Jobs

0.68

Location Quotient

Below Average

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.68x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 0.68 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are somewhat less concentrated in Albany-Schenectady-Troy compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and offers opportunities, it may not be saturated, potentially leading to a balanced competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $42,580. This typically ranges from $35,360 for entry-level positions to $51,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 11.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy earn approximately $4,350 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this presents a favorable earning potential.

Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($45,740) and Glens Falls, NY.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?

With a local workforce of 870, there is a substantial base of professionals in this role, indicating established culinary operations within institutions and cafeterias in the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.68 signify?

A Location Quotient of 0.68 means that the proportion of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is 32% lower than the national average, suggesting a less concentrated but still present demand.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers relate to demand?

With 1.968 jobs per 1,000 workers, there's a consistent need for cooks, indicating ongoing employment opportunities within the local institutional and cafeteria sectors.

Does the Cost of Living Index of 100 mean salaries go further?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the general cost of goods and services in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is the same as the national average. Therefore, the $42,580 salary has average purchasing power.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 1.968 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.