Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Columbus, OH
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Columbus, OH, earn an average annual salary of $38,130. This figure precisely matches the national average, indicating a stable compensation landscape for this role within the city. The pay is largely dictated by the consistent demand and the standard operational costs within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,840 individuals in this profession, Columbus demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.22 suggests that this role is more prevalent in Columbus than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, OH earns-0.0%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,178
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Columbus, OH
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus 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) | $29,520 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,598 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,520 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,663 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,170 | $22.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,130 in Columbus aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Columbus is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither exceptionally high nor low compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
3,840
Total Jobs
3.538
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Columbus, OH has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates that Columbus has a higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent, while also presenting ample opportunities for job seekers in this specialized culinary field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,820↓ 11% | 32 mi |
| West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,160↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,260↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,760↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| Springfield, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,570↓ 7% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, OH
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Columbus, OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Columbus, OH is $38,130. This typically ranges from $29,520 for entry-level positions to $47,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, OH is 0.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Columbus, OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it is competitive.The average salary matches the national average, and the higher concentration of these roles suggests strong demand and potential for career growth within Columbus.
Is Columbus, OH a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) ($33,820) and West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook in Columbus, OH?
Based on the average annual salary of $38,130 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook in Columbus, OH, is around $18.33.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Columbus?
Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level cooks typically earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher wages, often reaching into the upper salary percentiles.
Are there many job openings for Cooks in Columbus?
With a Location Quotient of 1.22, Columbus shows a higher concentration of these roles than the national average, suggesting a healthy number of job openings and a favorable market for job seekers.
How does the cost of living in Columbus compare to the national average?
Columbus has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the salary of $38,130 has the same purchasing power in Columbus as the national average salary does across the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,840 employees in the Columbus, OH area with a job density of 3.538 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, OH