Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Cooks in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area earn an average annual salary of $33,590. This figure is below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,780.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area supports a local workforce of approximately 600 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.59, this occupation is more concentrated in Elkhart-Goshen than the national average, indicating a notable presence and potentially steady demand for these skilled individuals within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-11.9%below the national average.
$16.2
$646
$2,799
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen's Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically contribute to incremental salary growth for most professions, including those in the food service sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay within Elkhart-Goshen reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,460 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,193 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,440 | $15.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,988 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,780 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $33,590. This nominal income aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the salary effectively balances with the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
4.63
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.59 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elkhart-Goshen signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the Elkhart-Goshen labor market has a greater demand or a more robust supply of these professionals relative to its overall workforce size, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 10% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,270↑ 5% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,020↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,390↑ 2% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,420↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $33,590. This typically ranges from $27,460 for entry-level positions to $39,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 11.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,590 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($37,060) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $33,590, which is approximately $4,540 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Elkhart-Goshen for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.59 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are 59% more concentrated in Elkhart-Goshen than the national average, suggesting a stronger presence of this occupation in the local job market.
How does the Cost of Living in Elkhart-Goshen affect the Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Elkhart-Goshen is at the national average. This means the $33,590 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the lower nominal salary more understandable in context.
What does the total local workforce of 600 imply for job seekers?
A workforce of 600 indicates a substantial number of existing positions, suggesting a stable job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the Elkhart-Goshen area, though competition may exist.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 4.63 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- All Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Management Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
- Browse All Jobs in Elkhart-Goshen, IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Elkhart-Goshen, IN