Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Decatur, AL
In Decatur, AL, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions report an average annual salary of $25,600. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Decatur's institutional and cafeteria sectors likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,800.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL hosts a local workforce of 270 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.55, this role is 55% more concentrated in Decatur than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, AL earns-32.9%below the national average.
$12.3
$492
$2,133
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur is not provided, it is generally assumed that roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced modest salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental increases in compensation for such positions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Decatur, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,560 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,200 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,870 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,000 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, AL, stands at $25,600. This salary aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index, which is set at 100, representing the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary in Decatur is comparable to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by a neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.515
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Decatur, AL exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.55. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average. Such a high concentration points to a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, while offering ample opportunities for job seekers in this specific culinary field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↑ 11% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↑ 3% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,000↓ 6% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,930↑ 9% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↑ 21% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, AL is $25,600. This typically ranges from $17,560 for entry-level positions to $35,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 32.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $25,600 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($28,530) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks in Decatur?
With 270 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, Decatur has a notable local workforce. Combined with a high Location Quotient, this suggests consistent demand and potentially good job prospects for skilled individuals in this sector.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.55 mean for Cooks in Decatur?
A Location Quotient of 1.55 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are 55% more concentrated in Decatur than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for these positions within the local job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index in Decatur compare nationally?
Decatur's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing and utilities, is neither cheaper nor more expensive than the typical U.S. city.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Cooks in Decatur?
While specific advancement tracks depend on individual employers, the higher concentration of roles suggests a dynamic market where gaining experience can lead to higher-paying positions, moving from entry-level to more senior or specialized cook roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 4.515 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Decatur, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Decatur, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Decatur, AL