Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Asheville, NC
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $35,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130 for the same role. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Asheville's hospitality and institutional sectors likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,920.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 520 individuals in this specific role, Asheville presents a moderately sized market for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Asheville is very close to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Asheville, NC earns-6.6%below the national average.
$17.1
$685
$2,967
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Asheville isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual salary growth for cooks.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Asheville, NC, typically correlates 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 higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,700 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,500 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,920 | $21.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,600 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Asheville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Asheville cook's salary is comparable to that of a cook in a similarly priced national average location, offering a stable financial standing relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
2.76
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that Asheville has a job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria that is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, implying neither a significant surplus nor a severe shortage of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,210↓ 10% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,790↓ 14% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,490↓ 12% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,040↓ 16% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,210↓ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Asheville, NC is $35,600. This typically ranges from $27,870 for entry-level positions to $44,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 6.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary of $35,600 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The market concentration is stable, not indicating high demand or high pay.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($32,210) and Johnson City, TN.
How does the cost of living in Asheville affect a cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Asheville's expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $35,600 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither particularly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
What is the job market like for cooks in Asheville?
The job market is stable, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.95, very close to the national average. This suggests a consistent, but not rapidly growing, demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
How many cooks are employed in Asheville?
There are approximately 520 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Asheville, NC, representing 2.76 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Can I earn more than the average salary as a cook in Asheville?
Yes, experienced cooks, those with specialized skills, or those in supervisory roles can potentially earn above the $35,600 average. Salary progression is tied to experience and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 2.76 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 Asheville, NC