Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Cooks in the Institution and Cafeteria sector in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $38,490. This figure is slightly above the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a role in compensation for these vital food service professionals. The concentration of this role within the region indicates a specialized need that influences pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 1,820 individuals in this role. A Location Quotient of 1.69 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns+0.9%above the national average.
$18.5
$740
$3,208
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for essential service roles, reflecting ongoing demand and adjustments to the cost of living.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,868 | $13.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,410 | $18.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,113 | $23.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,330 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $38,490 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to typical expenses in the area.
Job Market Context
1,820
Total Jobs
4.909
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 1.7x 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 1.69 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ strongly suggests a competitive and specialized job market. This elevated quotient indicates that the region has a higher proportion of these jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, pointing to a concentrated demand that may benefit job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,340↓ 6% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,730↑ 14% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↑ 4% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,570↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,450↓ 8% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $38,490. This typically ranges from $30,110 for entry-level positions to $45,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 0.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers slightly above-average compensation.The average salary of $38,490 is higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of these roles (LQ 1.69) suggests robust local demand.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($36,340) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $38,490, which is slightly higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.69?
An LQ of 1.69 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area is 69% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in this area?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $38,490 provides purchasing power that is in line with the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,820 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,820 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 4.909 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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ