Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Cooks in the institution and cafeteria sector within the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area earn an average annual salary of $37,760. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating a minor disparity in compensation. Local economic factors, such as the specific demand and cost structure within this Florida region, likely contribute to this nuanced pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,630.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, comprises approximately 250 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The presence of nearly 2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not explosive, demand for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns-1.0%below the national average.
$18.2
$726
$3,147
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is not provided, it is 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. This consistent, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation is typical for essential service roles within a stable regional economy.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, would reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,920 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,320 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,970 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,200 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,630 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,760 in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard quality of life relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.982
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL has 0.68x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the field may not be as saturated with professionals compared to other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals entering or already established in the local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,210↓ 9% | 42 mi |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,000↓ 10% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,930↓ 29% | 77 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,040↓ 26% | 78 mi |
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,980↓ 29% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $37,760. This typically ranges from $27,920 for entry-level positions to $44,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 1.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating standard earning potential rather than exceptional financial gain.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($34,210) and Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities for Cooks?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not a large pool, it indicates consistent demand for cooks in institutions and cafeterias within the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.68 mean for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.68, signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, is lower than the national average. This implies fewer specialized opportunities relative to the overall job market compared to national trends.
Are there many job openings for Cooks in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
With 1.982 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady presence of job openings for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, indicating consistent, though not exceptionally high, demand in the region.
How does the Cost of Living in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL compare nationally?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for housing, food, and other necessities in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, are comparable to the typical costs experienced across the United States.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 1.982 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 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL