Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Elizabethtown, KY
In Elizabethtown, KY, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $30,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Elizabethtown shapes the earning potential for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,480.
- Outlook: Elizabethtown, KY, supports a local workforce of 330 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 2.22, this profession is significantly more concentrated in Elizabethtown than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand or a specialized cluster of these culinary roles within the area's economy. The presence of 6.461 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the notable presence of this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elizabethtown, KY earns-18.8%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,580
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elizabethtown's institutional and cafeteria cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demand for food services likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, though local market conditions may moderate the pace of this growth compared to broader national trends.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Elizabethtown, KY
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Elizabethtown reflect this career trajectory, offering clear indicators of potential earning increases as cooks advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,400 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,260 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,700 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elizabethtown, KY, stands at $30,960. This salary aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index, which is set at 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary in Elizabethtown is equivalent to the national average, meaning that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
6.461
Per 1K Jobs
2.22
Location Quotient
Elizabethtown, KY has 2.2x 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.
Elizabethtown, KY, exhibits a high concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.22. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively abundant or that there is a specialized demand within the local economy that draws and retains a larger proportion of these workers compared to the rest of the country. This indicates a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and potentially more opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 20% | 39 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960- 0% | 59 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,690↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,650↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,830↓ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elizabethtown, KY
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Elizabethtown, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elizabethtown, KY is $30,960. This typically ranges from $27,400 for entry-level positions to $36,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elizabethtown, KY is 18.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $30,960 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130 for this role.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elizabethtown, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($37,060) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Elizabethtown salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elizabethtown, KY is $30,960, which is considerably lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Elizabethtown?
A Location Quotient of 2.22 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more than twice as concentrated in Elizabethtown compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence of this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Elizabethtown?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Elizabethtown's cost of living matches the national average. This means the $30,960 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary would have nationally.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 330 for this specific role suggests a moderately sized but concentrated group of institutional and cafeteria cooks within Elizabethtown.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Elizabethtown, KY area with a job density of 6.461 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 Elizabethtown, KY