Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Clarksville, TN-KY
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Clarksville, TN-KY earn an average annual salary of $30,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a specific demand profile within the region contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,400.
- Outlook: The Clarksville, TN-KY area supports a local workforce of 470 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.59, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent in institutional settings within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Clarksville, TN-KY earns-18.8%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,580
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Clarksville is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments across the food service industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Clarksville, TN-KY
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,390 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,300 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,700 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,400 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,960 in Clarksville, TN-KY 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 for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
4.628
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Clarksville, TN-KY 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies that Clarksville, TN-KY has a disproportionately higher number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a concentrated demand and potentially a more competitive market for employers seeking to fill these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 16% | 42 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960- 0% | 57 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↑ 0% | 67 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,840↑ 3% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Clarksville, TN-KY
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Clarksville, TN-KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Clarksville, TN-KY is $30,960. This typically ranges from $25,390 for entry-level positions to $38,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Clarksville, TN-KY is 18.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Clarksville, TN-KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not when compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Clarksville is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Clarksville, TN-KY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Clarksville, TN-KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Clarksville, TN-KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($35,790) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect salary?
A local workforce of 470 suggests a substantial pool of talent, which can influence salary negotiations. However, the higher Location Quotient indicates demand may outpace supply, potentially mitigating downward pressure on wages.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.59 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.59, indicates a higher concentration of this job type in Clarksville compared to the national average, suggesting more opportunities may be available for job seekers in this field.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,960 salary in Clarksville has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means expenses for goods and services are comparable to the national average.
Are there many jobs for Cooks in Clarksville?
The data shows 4.628 jobs per 1,000 workers, which, combined with the Location Quotient, suggests a healthy presence and demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles within the Clarksville area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Clarksville, TN-KY area with a job density of 4.628 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 Clarksville, TN-KY