Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbus, IN
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Columbus, IN is $33,660. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Columbus, IN may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,450.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbus, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, IN earns-11.7%below the national average.
$16.2
$647
$2,805
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Columbus, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Columbus, IN varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $27,370, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $39,450.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,370 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,245 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,850 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,075 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,450 | $19 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbus, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,660 to $33,660.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
2.195
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Columbus, IN has 0.76x 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.
110 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, IN.
Moderate density — roughly 2.195 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,430↑ 2% | 33 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,750↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,460↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,730↓ 3% | 48 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,690↓ 3% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Columbus, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, IN is $33,660. This typically ranges from $27,370 for entry-level positions to $39,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 11.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Columbus, IN a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Columbus, IN is $33,660 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Columbus, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbus, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($34,430) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 2.195 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, IN