Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Connecticut
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias in Connecticut earn an average annual salary of $46,640, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation in Connecticut can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a robust economy and a higher cost of living that necessitates greater pay to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,630 individuals in this role, Connecticut demonstrates a substantial presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The location quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and ongoing demand for these services within the state's various institutions and large-scale food service operations.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut earns+22.3%above the national average.
$22.4
$897
$3,887
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and a competitive labor market likely contribute to a positive trajectory in average earnings for these professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Connecticut
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,830 | $17.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,980 | $16.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,870 | $22.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $58,300 | $28 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $59,040 | $28.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,238
Adjusted for COL (113.1)
The average annual salary of $46,640 in Connecticut for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria needs to be viewed in the context of the state's cost of living index of 113.1. This index, which is 13.1% above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Nonetheless, the salary still offers a competitive standard of living within the state.
Job Market Context
3,630
Total Jobs
2.16
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Connecticut has 0.74x 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.
A location quotient of 0.74 indicates that Connecticut has a slightly lower concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately concentrated in the state. This could imply a balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce, potentially leading to stable employment opportunities without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $46,700↑ 0% | 12 mi |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,030↓ 8% | 15 mi |
| New Haven, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $50,580↑ 8% | 22 mi |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,050↓ 10% | 35 mi |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $47,800↑ 2% | 36 mi |
Comparing salaries near Connecticut
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Connecticut?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut is $46,640. This typically ranges from $36,830 for entry-level positions to $59,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Connecticut is 22.3% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Connecticut a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Connecticut offers a lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $46,640 significantly exceeds the national average, providing a strong income base. Although the cost of living is higher, the nominal wage advantage still positions Connecticut favorably for these culinary roles.
Is Connecticut a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Connecticut is 113.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Connecticut?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($46,700) and Waterbury-Shelton, CT.
How does the Connecticut salary compare to the national average for this role?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut earn an average of $46,640 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job density for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut?
There are 2.16 jobs per 1,000 workers in Connecticut for this profession, indicating a steady presence in the state's employment landscape.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Connecticut?
With a cost of living index of 113.1, Connecticut is more expensive than the national average. While the higher salary helps offset this, the real purchasing power is slightly reduced compared to lower-cost states.
Is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria saturated in Connecticut?
The location quotient of 0.74 suggests the market is not oversaturated, indicating a healthy demand relative to the national concentration of these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,630 employees in the Connecticut area with a job density of 2.16 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 Connecticut