Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,690. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure influence compensation in this specific locale. The lower average pay may be attributed to a combination of local market dynamics and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,280.
- Outlook: The Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 880 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.87, this role is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand for these services. The presence of 5.45 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for these culinary roles within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-14.3%below the national average.
$15.7
$629
$2,724
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 roles in nonmetropolitan areas like Central Indiana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a steady demand for essential food services. Salary increases, though perhaps modest compared to metropolitan counterparts, are expected to keep pace with the cost of living and labor market pressures.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often fall into the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities command higher earnings, reflected in the upper percentiles. The gap between the 10th percentile (entry-level) and the 90th percentile (senior) signifies substantial career growth potential and the value placed on accumulated expertise and efficiency within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,760 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,518 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,410 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,863 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,280 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,690 in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria professional in this region has the same purchasing power as the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the take-home pay may offer comparable living standards to other regions, though potentially with less disposable income.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
5.45
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.87 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area signifies a market where this profession is nearly twice as concentrated as the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong, established demand for these roles within local institutions and cafeterias, potentially leading to more job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size. While this indicates a healthy job market for this specific occupation, it also means the supply of workers might be more readily available, influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,750↑ 9% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,220↑ 8% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,660↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,430↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 8% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $32,690. This typically ranges from $27,760 for entry-level positions to $38,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 14.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,690 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,750) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the Central Indiana salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $32,690, which is approximately $5,440 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.87 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.87 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs is 87% higher in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand and potentially more opportunities.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary's value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $32,690 salary in Central Indiana offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means the lower nominal salary is offset by lower living expenses compared to higher cost-of-living areas.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this region?
The Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area employs approximately 880 individuals in the role of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.45 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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area