Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and potentially different industry demands. The specific economic landscape and employer needs within this nonmetropolitan area play a significant role in shaping compensation for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East-Central Montana appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 540 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 3.08 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and fewer competing regions for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-3.1%below the national average.
$17.8
$710
$3,078
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 East-Central Montana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for essential service roles, reflecting adjustments to the cost of living and the ongoing need for qualified culinary professionals in institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and tenure within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,250 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,698 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,870 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,163 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,860 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $36,930 in East-Central Montana aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal pay is offset by stable living expenses, making the take-home pay effectively equivalent to the national standard.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
8.949
Per 1K Jobs
3.08
Location Quotient
East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area has 3.1x 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 3.08, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East-Central Montana is highly concentrated. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average. Employers in this region may face a more competitive landscape for talent, or conversely, may have established a strong local talent pool that supports this specialized employment concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,390↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,240↑ 1% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,970↑ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is $36,930. This typically ranges from $29,250 for entry-level positions to $46,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 3.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential rather than increased lucrativeness.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,390) and Helena, MT.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.949 jobs per 1,000 workers, East-Central Montana has a notable presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks relative to its general workforce size, further supporting the high concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.08 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.08 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are over three times more common in East-Central Montana than the national average, suggesting a strong demand and potentially more job opportunities within this specific occupation.
How does the cost of living impact the salary of a cook in this region?
The Cost of Living Index being at 100 means that the $36,930 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating that the slightly lower pay is balanced by stable living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East-Central Montana?
There are approximately 540 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce for this specialized role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.949 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 East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area