Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,040, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the cost of doing business and the specific demand within this particular geographic area. The concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape contribute to the prevailing wage rates for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,220.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of approximately 700 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.68 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-18.6%below the national average.
$14.9
$597
$2,587
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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an ongoing effort to keep compensation competitive within the local market and acknowledge the evolving responsibilities of these roles.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 within this occupation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication, skill development, and leadership within the kitchen environment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,130 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,280 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,390 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,800 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,220 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,040 in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
4.874
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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 1.68, the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, potentially indicating a strong demand from local institutions and cafeterias that rely on a steady supply of culinary staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 15% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 0% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↓ 8% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 18% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↓ 15% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $31,040. This typically ranges from $23,130 for entry-level positions to $38,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 18.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national standards.The average salary of $31,040 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($35,790) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?
A local workforce of 700 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, suggesting a stable demand from employers within the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.68 signify for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.68 means there are 68% more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per capita in this area compared to the national average, indicating a higher concentration and potentially greater demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $31,040 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan regions?
Yes, the jobs per 1,000 workers figure of 4.874, combined with a Location Quotient above 1, suggests a healthy presence and demand for Cooks in these nonmetropolitan settings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.874 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area