Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Altoona, PA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Altoona, PA, earn an average annual salary of $34,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130 for the same role. Localized demand, industry specifics, and the overall economic landscape of Altoona contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,710.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 individuals in this specific role, Altoona presents a moderately sized employment pool for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 1.61 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Altoona compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or growing demand within the local market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Altoona, PA earns-10.5%below the national average.
$16.4
$656
$2,843
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Altoona isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in compensation for most positions, including those in food service and institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
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 skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways within this occupation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,870 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,590 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,430 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,650 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,710 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,120 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.684
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.61 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Altoona signifies that this occupation is more concentrated in the local job market than it is nationally. This suggests a stronger local demand relative to the national average, potentially offering more job opportunities or a more competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,430↓ 5% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,330↑ 12% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,460↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,550↑ 1% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,850↑ 5% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Altoona, PA is $34,120. This typically ranges from $26,870 for entry-level positions to $44,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 10.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,120 is below the national average, although the Cost of Living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($32,430) and State College, PA.
How does the Altoona salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average salary for Cooks in Altoona, PA is $34,120, which is approximately $4,010 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.61 mean for this job in Altoona?
A Location Quotient of 1.61 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Altoona is 61% higher than the national average, suggesting greater local demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Altoona affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Altoona is at the national average. This means the $34,120 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Altoona?
There are approximately 270 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Altoona, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 4.684 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 Altoona, PA