Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, earn an average annual salary of $33,240. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics may influence compensation levels in this specific region. The pay disparity can often be attributed to the unique economic landscape and the specific needs of the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,870.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 480 individuals in this role, the Augusta-Richmond County area demonstrates a moderate concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that this profession is slightly less prevalent here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these services within the region's employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-12.8%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,770
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Augusta-Richmond County is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical as the cost of living rises and the demand for skilled culinary professionals evolves.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Augusta-Richmond County typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary expertise or supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentile gaps reflecting substantial career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,910 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,930 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,930 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,550 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,870 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,240 in Augusta-Richmond County aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
2.111
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has 0.73x 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 0.73 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, signifies that this profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present, it may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, but also indicating a potentially lower overall demand compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,840↓ 16% | 73 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,730↓ 23% | 73 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,120↓ 21% | 73 mi |
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 3% | 82 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,670↓ 5% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $33,240. This typically ranges from $23,910 for entry-level positions to $43,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 12.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $33,240 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the lower pay makes it less financially advantageous compared to other areas.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($27,840) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.111 jobs per 1,000 workers, Augusta-Richmond County has a slightly lower concentration of institutional and cafeteria cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a moderate job market for this role.
What is the total number of cooks in Augusta-Richmond County?
There are approximately 480 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria within Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, representing the local workforce dedicated to these culinary roles.
Does experience significantly impact salary for cooks in this area?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience and advanced culinary skills can command higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.
How does the local job market compare to national concentration for this role?
The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates that Augusta-Richmond County has a lower concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks than the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 2.111 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC