Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbus, GA-AL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Columbus, GA-AL earn an average annual salary of $30,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this specific role and region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,340.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, Columbus, GA-AL demonstrates a stable presence for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, GA-AL earns-20.1%below the national average.
$14.7
$586
$2,540
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Columbus, GA-AL is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local labor market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Columbus, GA-AL
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,270 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,860 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,100 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,340 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,480 in Columbus, GA-AL aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
3.156
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Columbus, GA-AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.09 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, GA-AL suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This indicates a healthy, stable demand for cooks in institutional settings, making the market neither overly saturated nor exceptionally competitive for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,320↓ 7% | 36 mi |
| Warner Robins, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,760↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,690↑ 4% | 72 mi |
| Albany, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,410↓ 4% | 76 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,420↓ 0% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, GA-AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Columbus, GA-AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, GA-AL is $30,480. This typically ranges from $21,270 for entry-level positions to $37,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, GA-AL is 20.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Columbus, GA-AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,480 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering similar purchasing power.
Is Columbus, GA-AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, GA-AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, GA-AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Auburn-Opelika, AL ($28,320) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does the Columbus, GA-AL salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, GA-AL is $30,480, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbus, GA-AL?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, GA-AL is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in Columbus, GA-AL?
The Location Quotient is 1.09, meaning there are slightly more institutional and cafeteria cook positions per worker in Columbus, GA-AL than the national average.
What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Columbus, GA-AL?
There are approximately 370 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Columbus, GA-AL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Columbus, GA-AL area with a job density of 3.156 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 Columbus, GA-AL