Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Dover, DE
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dover, DE, earn an average annual salary of $39,840, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated pay in Dover can be attributed to a combination of local demand and the specific needs of institutional and cafeteria settings within the region, which may require specialized culinary skills or a consistent workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,520.
- Outlook: Dover, DE, presents a robust employment landscape for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, evidenced by a local workforce of 520 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.63 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a strong concentration of these roles within the Dover area. This suggests a healthy and potentially growing demand for culinary talent in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dover, DE earns+4.5%above the national average.
$19.2
$766
$3,320
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover's institutional cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and evolving culinary standards likely contribute to salary growth for these positions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dover, DE, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,820 | $15.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,880 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,900 | $19.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,800 | $23.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,520 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,840 in Dover, DE, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Dover is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
7.653
Per 1K Jobs
2.63
Location Quotient
Dover, DE has 2.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.63, Dover, DE, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions compared to the national average. This indicates a robust and specialized job market where demand for these culinary professionals is more than double the typical national presence, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,650↑ 2% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,040↑ 8% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,300↓ 4% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↑ 0% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,360↑ 4% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dover, DE is $39,840. This typically ranges from $32,820 for entry-level positions to $44,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 4.5% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Dover, DE offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, meaning your earnings stretch further locally.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($40,650) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the Dover, DE salary compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Dover, DE, earn an average of $39,840 annually, which is $1,710 more than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Dover, DE?
Dover, DE has a high concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 2.63, meaning the jobs are more than 2.5 times as common as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Dover, DE affect salary perception?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,840 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a total local workforce of 520 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, Dover, DE demonstrates a substantial presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 7.653 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 Dover, DE