Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $33,720. This figure is below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand within the region influence compensation for this role. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,990.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 930 individuals in this role, Chattanooga demonstrates a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, employment base for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with the size of the local workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-11.6%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,810
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, like most professions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market dynamics, which would likely have led to incremental increases in the average annual salary within Chattanooga.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles of the $33,720 average, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career progression path, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,800 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,290 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,870 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,150 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,990 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,720 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by these professionals in Chattanooga has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have across the United States.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
3.459
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.19 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga signifies a market where this profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy, perhaps even slightly robust, demand for these roles within the local economy, indicating that job opportunities may be more readily available relative to other areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,260↓ 10% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,240↓ 7% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,480↓ 7% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↓ 15% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,000↓ 29% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $33,720. This typically ranges from $27,800 for entry-level positions to $38,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 11.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,720 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($30,260) and Dalton, GA.
How does the Chattanooga salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $33,720, which is approximately $4,410 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.19?
An LQ of 1.19 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Chattanooga is 19% higher than the national average, indicating a slightly stronger local market presence for this occupation.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Chattanooga?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chattanooga's cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $33,720 salary has the same relative purchasing power locally as the national average salary has nationally.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 930 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 3.459 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA