Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $31,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic conditions and employer needs in Cape Girardeau directly influence the pay rates for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL appears moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.57 indicating a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. The local workforce of 200 individuals in this specific occupation suggests a stable, albeit not massive, demand for these services within the area. This concentration implies a potentially robust local industry that relies on a consistent supply of institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL earns-16.1%below the national average.
$15.4
$615
$2,666
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Cape Girardeau is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a growing awareness of the importance of skilled culinary staff likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even if the pace of growth varies regionally.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the career progression opportunities available, with senior roles occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,260 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,993 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,810 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,988 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,260 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,990 in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Cape Girardeau for this role would not result in a significant change in lifestyle costs compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
4.555
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.57 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL signifies a market that is 57% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these professionals within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified staff. The abundance of these roles, relative to the national distribution, points to a specialized local industry or a significant presence of institutions requiring these services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Paducah, KY-IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,250↑ 4% | 53 mi |
| St. Louis, MO-IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,540↑ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is $31,990. This typically ranges from $26,260 for entry-level positions to $37,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 16.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,990 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Paducah, KY-IL ($33,250) and St. Louis, MO-IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
Cooks in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL earn an average of $31,990 annually, which is approximately $6,140 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL relative to the rest of the country?
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the U.S. average.
Is there a high demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
The Location Quotient of 1.57 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs in Cape Girardeau compared to the national average, indicating a relatively strong local demand.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
There are approximately 200 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area with a job density of 4.555 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 Cape Girardeau, MO-IL