Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Bowling Green, KY
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, KY earn an average annual salary of $30,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 500 individuals in this role, Bowling Green presents a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.13. This suggests a robust demand and a specialized job market for these professionals within the region, exceeding national averages for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, KY earns-18.8%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,580
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, like in many other regions, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,920 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,850 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,700 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,610 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $30,960 in Bowling Green, KY, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), indicates that the purchasing power of this salary is on par with the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the equivalent cost of living means the take-home pay may still offer comparable living standards.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
6.188
Per 1K Jobs
2.13
Location Quotient
Bowling Green, KY has 2.1x 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.
Bowling Green's Location Quotient of 2.13 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a high demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to competitive hiring conditions for employers and ample opportunities for job seekers within this specific culinary sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960- 0% | 57 mi |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 16% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960- 0% | 59 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,110↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↑ 0% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, KY is $30,960. This typically ranges from $24,920 for entry-level positions to $37,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 18.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,960 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($30,960) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does the Bowling Green job market compare nationally for this role?
Bowling Green has a job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.13, suggesting higher relative demand locally.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, KY?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Bowling Green, KY is $30,960.
How does the cost of living in Bowling Green affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Bowling Green's cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the $30,960 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average for the role.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Bowling Green?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 2.13 and the presence of 6.188 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a strong local demand and a significant presence of these roles within the Bowling Green workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 6.188 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 Bowling Green, KY