Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in District of Columbia
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the District of Columbia earn an average annual salary of $45,790. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a premium for culinary professionals in the nation's capital. The higher compensation is likely driven by the unique economic landscape and demand for skilled food service workers in a major metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,830.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia hosts a local workforce of 1,560 individuals in this role, with a location quotient of 0.76. While this suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of a substantial workforce indicates a stable demand for institutional cooks. The figure of 2.206 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of a consistent, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in District of Columbia earns+20.1%above the national average.
$22
$881
$3,816
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 the District of Columbia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food services in institutional settings, and a competitive labor market likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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) | $38,100 | $18.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,343 | $16.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $45,600 | $21.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,238 | $27.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $56,830 | $27.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,794
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The average annual salary of $45,790 in the District of Columbia presents a mixed picture when considering the high cost of living, which stands at 148.7 on the index. While the nominal salary is attractive and exceeds the national average, the elevated cost of goods and services, particularly housing, means that the purchasing power of this salary may be less than it appears compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,560
Total Jobs
2.206
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.76x 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 0.76, the District of Columbia's market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and has a stable workforce, it is not a dominant industry in terms of employment concentration. This could imply a balanced job market where demand is met by the available supply of workers, potentially leading to moderate competition for roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,760↓ 18% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,710↓ 11% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,020↓ 13% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,550↓ 25% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,730↓ 22% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in District of Columbia is $45,790. This typically ranges from $38,100 for entry-level positions to $56,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 20.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $45,790 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating good earning potential. However, the high cost of living in DC must be factored into its overall lucrativeness.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,760) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
The District of Columbia has 2.206 jobs per 1,000 workers for this role, which is a measure of local job density relative to the overall workforce.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.76 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 0.76 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in DC is slightly below the national average. This suggests a stable but not overly saturated job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the Cook salary in DC?
The Cost of Living Index of 148.7 means that living in DC is about 48.7% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living is a key factor in why salaries are higher to compensate residents.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in DC?
There are approximately 1,560 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,560 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 2.206 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 District of Columbia