Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Bloomington, IN
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN earn an average annual salary of $34,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role in Bloomington. While the nominal pay may be lower, understanding the local economic landscape is key to evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,020.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN, appears robust, indicated by a total local workforce of 400 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.88 significantly exceeds the national average, signaling a higher concentration of these positions relative to the general workforce in Bloomington compared to the rest of the country. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN earns-9.7%below the national average.
$16.6
$662
$2,869
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 Bloomington, IN, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained demand for food services, leading employers to adjust compensation to attract and retain qualified staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Bloomington, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within Bloomington reflect this career ladder, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets, signifying substantial career growth opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,200 | $13.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,823 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,160 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,038 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,020 | $18.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,430 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Bloomington is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary might be lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
5.453
Per 1K Jobs
1.88
Location Quotient
Bloomington, IN has 1.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.88, Bloomington, IN, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is more abundant and potentially more competitive in Bloomington. Employers may find a larger pool of available talent, but job seekers benefit from a market where this profession is more prevalent than in many other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,660↓ 2% | 33 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,750↑ 4% | 47 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,460↓ 6% | 49 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,730↓ 5% | 49 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,690↓ 5% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bloomington, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Bloomington, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN is $34,430. This typically ranges from $27,200 for entry-level positions to $39,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bloomington, IN is 9.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Bloomington, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $34,430 is below the national average, the cost of living in Bloomington is also at the national average. This means your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard, despite the lower nominal wage.
Is Bloomington, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Bloomington, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bloomington, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, IN ($33,660) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
How does the number of cooks in Bloomington compare to the national average?
Bloomington has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs, with a Location Quotient of 1.88, meaning the profession is nearly twice as common there compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington?
There are approximately 400 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bloomington, IN.
Does experience impact salary for cooks in Bloomington?
Yes, like most roles, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with advanced skills and responsibilities typically earn more than entry-level positions, with salary percentiles reflecting this progression.
How does Bloomington's cost of living affect the Cook salary?
Bloomington's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $34,430 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary of $38,130 would have elsewhere.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Bloomington, IN area with a job density of 5.453 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 Bloomington, IN