Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Dothan, AL
In Dothan, Alabama, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $26,930. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Dothan area. The cost of living in Dothan is precisely at the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,390.
- Outlook: The Dothan, AL job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.3, suggesting a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 230 individuals in this profession and 3.792 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable, though not exceptionally robust, indicating a consistent but not rapidly expanding employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dothan, AL earns-29.4%below the national average.
$13
$518
$2,244
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dothan's institutional cook salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of gradual salary increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This growth, however, may be moderated by local economic conditions and the specific demand for these services within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Dothan, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dothan typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility within institutional and cafeteria settings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,290 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,198 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,670 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,663 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,390 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,930 in Dothan, AL, aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.792
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Dothan, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.3, Dothan, AL, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly high, offering opportunities for skilled individuals. The presence of 230 local workers indicates a established, albeit not massive, pool of talent within the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,000↑ 26% | 72 mi |
| Albany, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,410↑ 9% | 76 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,760↑ 40% | 77 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,380↑ 28% | 87 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,210↓ 6% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dothan, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Dothan, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dothan, AL is $26,930. This typically ranges from $18,290 for entry-level positions to $34,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dothan, AL is 29.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Dothan, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,930 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Dothan, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Dothan, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dothan, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL ($34,000) and Albany, GA.
How does the Dothan salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dothan, AL is $26,930, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Dothan, AL for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in Dothan, AL is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that, despite lower salaries, the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dothan?
The Location Quotient of 1.3 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a stable demand. However, the total local workforce of 230 suggests the market is moderately sized.
How much does experience impact a Cook's salary in Dothan?
Experience is a key factor in salary growth. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and proven track records can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression within the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Dothan, AL area with a job density of 3.792 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 Dothan, AL