Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $28,320. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,970.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL, shows a concentration of 1.41, indicating a demand that is 41% higher than the national average. With a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this role, the market appears robust and offers a slightly elevated opportunity compared to national benchmarks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-25.7%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,360
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Auburn-Opelika is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a stable, albeit potentially slow, upward trajectory in compensation for dedicated professionals in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between different experience levels signify clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,910 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,240 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,370 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,400 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,970 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,320 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
4.105
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.41 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL, signifies a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a stronger local demand for this profession compared to other job types, making the market potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,480↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,210↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,510↓ 6% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,070↓ 11% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,310↓ 11% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $28,320. This typically ranges from $16,910 for entry-level positions to $38,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 25.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national standards.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $28,320 is significantly below the national average of $38,130, indicating lower earning potential in this specific role.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($30,480) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local job market compare nationally for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The local job market in Auburn-Opelika, AL, shows a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, with a Location Quotient of 1.41, suggesting greater demand relative to the national average.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Auburn-Opelika, AL, is $28,320.
How does the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is on par with the national average. Therefore, the $28,320 salary offers average purchasing power within the region.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
There are approximately 290 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 4.105 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL