Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Decatur, IL
The average salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, IL is $36,460. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,290.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. With a high job density of 3.362 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, IL earns-4.4%below the national average.
$17.5
$701
$3,038
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Decatur, IL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 34.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Decatur, IL 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 $29,210, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $43,290.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,210 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,345 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,960 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,575 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,290 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Decatur, IL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,460 to $36,460.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
3.362
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Decatur, IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
150 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, IL.
Moderate density — roughly 3.362 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,470↓ 5% | 34 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,410↓ 0% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,220↓ 6% | 34 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,060↓ 7% | 34 mi |
| Springfield, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,290↓ 0% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Decatur, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Decatur, IL is $36,460. This typically ranges from $29,210 for entry-level positions to $43,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 4.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Decatur, IL a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Decatur, IL is $36,460 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Decatur, IL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($34,470) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 3.362 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 Decatur, IL