Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, command an average annual salary of $44,100. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized premium for these culinary professionals. The higher pay is likely influenced by the specific demands and operational scale of institutions and cafeterias within this particular Massachusetts region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 530 individuals in this role. With a Location Quotient of 2.61, this profession is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a sustained demand that outpaces broader national trends and indicates a healthy job environment.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns+15.7%above the national average.
$21.2
$848
$3,675
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects increasing operational costs for employers and a growing recognition of the value skilled kitchen staff bring to institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with developing expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,950 | $18.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,075 | $15.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,160 | $19.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $55,125 | $26.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,700 | $23.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $44,100 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for those considering relocation to the area.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
7.6
Per 1K Jobs
2.61
Location Quotient
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has 2.6x 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 2.61 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and potentially favorable conditions for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,600↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,940↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,740↑ 4% | 38 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $46,700↑ 6% | 43 mi |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 4% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $44,100. This typically ranges from $37,950 for entry-level positions to $49,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 15.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average annual salary of $44,100 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($42,600) and Worcester, MA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?
A local workforce of 530 indicates a substantial pool of professionals, suggesting a mature market. However, the high Location Quotient suggests demand may outstrip supply, potentially leading to more job openings than in less concentrated areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.61 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.61 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are 2.61 times more common in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a higher concentration of job opportunities relative to the overall employment landscape.
How does the national average salary compare to Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The average salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA ($44,100) is notably higher than the national average ($38,130), indicating that employers in this region offer a premium for these culinary roles.
Is the cost of living a factor in the higher salaries for Cooks in this area?
While the cost of living is at the national average (100), the higher salary suggests that factors beyond just cost of living, such as institutional demand and specialized skill requirements, are driving up compensation in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 7.6 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 Amherst Town-Northampton, MA