Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Champaign-Urbana, IL, earn an average annual salary of $39,570. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized premium for these culinary roles. Factors such as the specific demand within the region's institutions and the overall economic landscape contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,090.
- Outlook: The Champaign-Urbana, IL market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles presents a robust picture, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 560 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.84 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the area's educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other large organizations.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+3.8%above the national average.
$19
$761
$3,298
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Champaign-Urbana is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental salary growth in most sectors, including food service within institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,740 | $14.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,678 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,650 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,463 | $23.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,090 | $23.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,570 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Champaign-Urbana, IL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
5.357
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Champaign-Urbana, IL has 1.8x 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 1.84 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Champaign-Urbana, IL, indicates a market where these roles are more than 80% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled culinary staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,460↓ 8% | 39 mi |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,470↓ 13% | 41 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,410↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,220↓ 14% | 41 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,060↓ 14% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $39,570. This typically ranges from $29,740 for entry-level positions to $49,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 3.8% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers a competitive advantage.Cooks in Champaign-Urbana, IL earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing good purchasing power.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($36,460) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in Champaign-Urbana compare nationally?
Champaign-Urbana has 5.357 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, indicating a notable presence of institutional cooks relative to the national landscape.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.84 means that Champaign-Urbana has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in Champaign-Urbana?
Yes, like most professions, experience is a key factor. Entry-level cooks will earn less than senior cooks with specialized skills and extensive experience.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in Champaign-Urbana?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $39,570 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
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 Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 5.357 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 Champaign-Urbana, IL