Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, Cooks in institutions and cafeterias earn an average annual salary of $34,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation for these roles. While the nominal pay may differ, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,550.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC, appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,160 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the general U.S. market. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC earns-10.2%below the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,853
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Columbia, SC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the food service industry nationwide. This upward trend is typical as employers adapt to rising operational costs and seek to retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding those who advance their expertise and take on greater responsibilities within institutional settings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,800 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,673 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,070 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,788 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,550 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,230 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is essentially equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to that found across the United States. Therefore, relocating to Columbia for this role does not present an immediate advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living relative to income.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
2.999
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of these positions relative to the overall workforce is consistent with national trends. It suggests neither an oversaturation nor a significant shortage of these roles, implying a competitive but accessible job environment for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,840↓ 19% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,730↓ 25% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,120↓ 24% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↓ 23% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↓ 14% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC is $34,230. This typically ranges from $22,800 for entry-level positions to $41,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 10.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,230 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($27,840) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Columbia, SC, is $34,230, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC, for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.03, indicating a stable demand for these roles.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 1,160 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbia, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 2.999 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 Columbia, SC