Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $35,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this specific metropolitan region. The pay differential reflects the unique interplay of the local job market and economic conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 50.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,560.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a robust workforce of 1,030 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals in institutional and cafeteria settings within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-7.1%below the national average.
$17
$681
$2,953
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 experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic growth and inflation. This suggests that compensation in Charleston-North Charleston has likely kept pace with national trends, offering potential for increased earnings over time.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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 specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,590 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,573 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,510 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,288 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,560 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,430 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, making the reported income neither exceptionally high nor low relative to local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,030
Total Jobs
2.654
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.91x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charleston-North Charleston indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable environment where the number of available positions is well-balanced with the number of professionals in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,790↑ 4% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↓ 26% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,960↓ 7% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,880↓ 4% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,840↓ 21% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $35,430. This typically ranges from $25,590 for entry-level positions to $44,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 7.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific role.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($36,790) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charleston-North Charleston is $35,430, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria work in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 1,030 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria strong in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a concentration of these roles very close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 2.654 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC