Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Alexandria, LA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Alexandria, LA, earn an average annual salary of $29,670. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand specific to the Alexandria area influence compensation for these roles. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the lower salary indicates a potentially less competitive market or different wage structures compared to other regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,680.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alexandria, LA, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.83, indicating a demand that is 83% higher than the national average. Coupled with a local workforce of 320 individuals in this role, this suggests a robust and established presence for these positions within the Alexandria economy, implying steady employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alexandria, LA earns-22.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Alexandria's institutional cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive up wages across most sectors, and it's likely that cooks in Alexandria have seen incremental increases in their earnings, though the pace may vary based on local economic conditions and employer specific policies.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alexandria, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to senior cook roles, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,430 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,253 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,950 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,088 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,680 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,670 for Cooks in Alexandria, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national average, as the expenses for goods and services in Alexandria are not disproportionately higher or lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
5.333
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 1.8x 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.
Alexandria, LA, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.83. This suggests that this profession is more prevalent in Alexandria relative to the national average, indicating a potentially higher demand or a more specialized local industry that relies on these services. While this concentration points to opportunity, it also implies a potentially competitive environment among job seekers for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,170↓ 15% | 37 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,570↓ 17% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $23,380↓ 21% | 37 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,060↓ 5% | 79 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,110↑ 1% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Alexandria, LA is $29,670. This typically ranges from $23,430 for entry-level positions to $35,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 22.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Alexandria, LA, is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less competitive compensation.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($25,170) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for cooks in Alexandria?
With a local workforce of 320 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, the job market is established. This size suggests consistent demand but also a potentially competitive landscape for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.83 mean for cooks in Alexandria?
A Location Quotient of 1.83 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Alexandria is 83% higher than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Alexandria compare to the national average?
Alexandria, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
What is the typical salary range for cooks in Alexandria, LA?
While the average is $29,670, salary ranges can vary based on experience, employer, and specific duties. Entry-level positions would likely be lower, while senior roles could command higher pay within the local market.
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 Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 5.333 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alexandria, LA