Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Delaware
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $42,020, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation in Delaware is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and a concentrated demand for these essential roles within the state's institutional and commercial sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,070.
- Outlook: Delaware presents a robust job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,520 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.82 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Delaware compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for culinary talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Delaware earns+10.2%above the national average.
$20.2
$808
$3,502
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 roles in Delaware have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation, demand, and evolving culinary standards. This upward trajectory suggests a positive outlook for future earning potential in this profession within the state.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Delaware
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Delaware typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with advancing in this culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,720 | $16.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,515 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,490 | $20.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,525 | $25.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,070 | $22.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,687
Adjusted for COL (100.8)
The average annual salary of $42,020 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Delaware aligns favorably with the state's Cost of Living Index of 100.8. This index indicates that the cost of living in Delaware is only slightly above the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary translates to strong purchasing power for these professionals, making Delaware an economically attractive location.
Job Market Context
2,520
Total Jobs
5.289
Per 1K Jobs
1.82
Location Quotient
Delaware has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.82, Delaware demonstrates a market that is nearly twice as concentrated with Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs as the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek qualified candidates, and professionals have a good opportunity to find employment that matches their skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,840↓ 5% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,040↑ 2% | 29 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↓ 5% | 47 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,360↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,710↓ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Delaware
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Delaware?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Delaware is $42,020. This typically ranges from $34,720 for entry-level positions to $47,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Delaware is 10.2% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Delaware a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Delaware offers a lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $42,020 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is only slightly above the national benchmark, providing excellent earning potential.
Is Delaware a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Delaware is 100.8. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Delaware?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dover, DE ($39,840) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Delaware's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Delaware earn an average of $42,020 annually, which is $3,890 more than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Delaware?
Delaware has a high concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.82, meaning there are significantly more such positions relative to the workforce compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Delaware affect the salary for Cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100.8, Delaware's living expenses are just slightly above the national average. This means the higher average salary of $42,020 provides good purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Delaware?
There are approximately 2,520 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs within the state of Delaware, contributing to a robust local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,520 employees in the Delaware area with a job density of 5.289 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 Delaware
- All Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Management Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Delaware
- Browse All Jobs in Delaware →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Delaware