Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an average annual salary of $40,710. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local demand and specific industry needs in this metropolitan region contribute to a more competitive compensation landscape for these culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,550.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area supports a local workforce of 1,880 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.48, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated market relative to other professions, though the absolute number of jobs suggests a stable presence.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+6.8%above the national average.
$19.6
$783
$3,393
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen steady salary growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a consistent demand for food services across various facilities.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant career growth trajectory within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,533 | $14.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,888 | $24.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,550 | $24.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,710 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
1,880
Total Jobs
1.401
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.48 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD signifies that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not exceptionally dense with these roles, there is still a consistent demand that supports the local workforce of 1,880 individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,760↓ 7% | 19 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,140↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,640↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,850↓ 12% | 50 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,110↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $40,710. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $51,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 6.8% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in this area earn approximately $2,580 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially favorable for these professionals.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,760) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,880 indicates a substantial number of existing positions, suggesting ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals in the field.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.48 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.48, means the profession is less concentrated here than nationally. This could imply a more competitive job market for new hires, but also signifies stable demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary advantage?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary advantage of $40,710 over the national average translates directly into increased purchasing power, making the area financially attractive.
Are there many institutional or cafeteria cooking jobs in Baltimore?
The data shows 1.401 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local economy, particularly within healthcare, educational, and corporate settings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 1.401 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD