Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,690, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the cost of doing business, and the specific demand dynamics within this particular geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,840.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,160 individuals in this role, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The robust Location Quotient of 2.3 indicates that this profession is more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for these services within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-22.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,474
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 nonmetropolitan areas like Central Kentucky have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local labor market, though it may not always keep pace with national trends.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by a salary increase. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and experienced cook salaries in Central Kentucky likely signifies opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential for those who gain specialized skills and years of service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,490 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,268 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,950 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,113 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,840 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,690 in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
6.692
Per 1K Jobs
2.3
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.3 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a relatively abundant supply of these workers compared to the national benchmark, which can influence wage negotiations and hiring dynamics for employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,800↑ 24% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 4% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 25% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,930↑ 21% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $29,690. This typically ranges from $23,490 for entry-level positions to $35,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 22.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,690 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a comparable cost of living.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,800) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact cook salaries?
A local workforce of 1,160 suggests a substantial pool of cooks, which, combined with a high location quotient, may contribute to the lower average salary due to a competitive labor market.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.3 mean for cooks in Central Kentucky?
A Location Quotient of 2.3 indicates that cooks are more than twice as common in this region compared to the national average, implying higher concentration and potentially lower wages due to supply.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary of $29,690 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but less overall wealth accumulation potential.
Are there opportunities for cooks to earn more in Central Kentucky?
While the average is lower, experience and specialization can lead to higher salaries within the percentile gaps, though overall earning potential may be capped compared to national urban centers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.692 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 Kentucky nonmetropolitan area