Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,570, significantly below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within institutional and cafeteria settings, and the overall cost structure of the nonmetropolitan labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Louisiana appears robust, with a total local workforce of 560 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.49 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand and a specialized employment landscape for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-35.6%below the national average.
$11.8
$473
$2,048
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 have seen modest growth over the past four years, aligning with general economic trends and inflation. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local market, though the pace may differ from more metropolitan areas.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear career progression pathways and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,390 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,428 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,160 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,713 | $14.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,270 | $15.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,570 in Central Louisiana presents a unique financial consideration, especially when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the cost of goods and services is on par with the rest of the country, the local salary for this specific role offers less purchasing power compared to national averages.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
7.252
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.49, the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively abundant and specialized within this region, potentially indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable landscape for job seekers in this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,670↑ 21% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,860↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,060↑ 14% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,350↓ 1% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,600↑ 20% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $24,570. This typically ranges from $19,390 for entry-level positions to $32,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 35.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $24,570 is substantially lower than the national average, and coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, it offers less purchasing power.
Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($29,670) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.252 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is more prevalent in Central Louisiana than the national average, reinforcing the higher concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 2.49 means there are 2.49 times more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area relative to the national average, highlighting its importance in the local economy.
Does the Cost of Living Index suggest savings opportunities?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means the cost of living is average. While not higher than the national average, it does not offer significant savings opportunities to offset the lower nominal salary.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A workforce of 560 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role locally, suggesting established career paths and a consistent demand for these services within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.252 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area