SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL area earn an average annual salary of $35,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the full financial picture requires considering the local economic environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,670.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,030 individuals in this role, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area demonstrates a stable presence for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but consistent demand within the region's institutional and cafeteria sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,210

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL earns-7.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.9

Weekly

$677

Monthly

$2,934

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The observed gaps between salary percentiles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,408$12.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,780$16.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,013$21.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,670$19.6

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $35,210 in Cape Coral-Fort Myers 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 region is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the salary is neither significantly boosted nor hindered by the local cost of living, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

1,030

Total Jobs

3.431

Per 1K Jobs

1.18

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.18, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.18 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Coral-Fort Myers signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the region has a proportionally larger number of these positions relative to its overall workforce, indicating a healthy, albeit not exceptionally competitive, demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is $35,210. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $40,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is 7.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,210 is below the national average of $38,130, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. The job market shows a slightly higher concentration, indicating steady demand but not necessarily premium compensation.

Is Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Punta Gorda, FL ($36,670) and North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL.

How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?

A local workforce of 1,030 indicates a substantial pool of professionals in this role, suggesting a well-established sector. This size supports consistent job openings but also implies a degree of competition among job seekers.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.18 mean for this job role?

A Location Quotient of 1.18 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are 18% more concentrated in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area than the national average. This suggests a slightly higher demand or a more specialized industry presence for these roles locally.

How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the salary perception?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the general cost of goods and services in Cape Coral-Fort Myers is the same as the national average. Therefore, the $35,210 salary has average purchasing power within the region.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?

Yes, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level cooks will earn at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can expect to earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL area with a job density of 3.431 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.