Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized institutional roles in nonmetropolitan regions likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,810.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 890 individuals in this role, the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for institutional cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.65 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a consistent, localized demand that supports the existing workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-12.5%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,779
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Pennsylvania have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase would aim to keep pace with the cost of living and retain skilled culinary professionals within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Central Pennsylvania 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 with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,750 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,013 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,240 | $16 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,688 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,810 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $33,350 in Central Pennsylvania's 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 standard, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by a neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
4.808
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.65 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are 65% more concentrated in this region than the national average. This indicates a robust and relatively abundant job market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may have a wider pool of candidates to draw from, potentially influencing wage levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 6% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,330↑ 15% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,270↑ 21% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,550↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,570↑ 10% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $33,350. This typically ranges from $25,750 for entry-level positions to $42,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 12.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national benchmark. The high concentration of jobs suggests local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($35,190) and State College, PA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 890 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, suggesting a steady demand for cooks in institutional settings within Central Pennsylvania.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.65 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.65 means this area has a higher concentration of institutional cook jobs than the national average, implying more opportunities relative to the general job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $33,350 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for this role in Central PA?
Yes, like most culinary roles, experience plays a crucial part in salary. Entry-level cooks will earn less than seasoned professionals or those in supervisory positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.808 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 Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area