Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Erie, PA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Erie, PA, earn an average annual salary of $34,800. This figure is approximately 8.7% lower than the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Erie's institutional sector likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,250.
- Outlook: Erie, PA supports a robust local workforce of 570 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.63, this role is significantly more concentrated in Erie than the national average, indicating a strong local demand and a well-established presence for these culinary roles within the community's institutions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Erie, PA earns-8.7%below the national average.
$16.7
$669
$2,900
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Erie is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria across the nation have seen steady growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. We can infer a similar positive trend for Erie, reflecting broader economic adjustments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Erie, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Erie, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,010 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,100 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,560 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,500 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,250 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,800 in Erie, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Erie-based cook's salary is comparable to that of a cook in a similarly priced national average location, offering a stable financial baseline.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
4.727
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Erie, PA 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.
Erie, PA exhibits a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.63. This suggests that the job market in Erie is more specialized in this profession than the national average, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,000↓ 2% | 76 mi |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,280↑ 19% | 83 mi |
| Cleveland, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,520↑ 5% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Erie, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Erie, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Erie, PA is $34,800. This typically ranges from $28,010 for entry-level positions to $43,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 8.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Erie, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $34,800 is below the national average of $38,130, suggesting lower earning potential in this specific role.
Is Erie, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($34,000) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.
How does the number of local workers impact job availability?
A local workforce of 570 indicates a substantial pool of professionals, suggesting a stable job market with consistent demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Erie.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for cooks in Erie?
A Location Quotient of 1.63 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are 63% more concentrated in Erie than the national average, pointing to a specialized and potentially robust local industry for this profession.
Are there many institutional or cafeteria job openings in Erie?
The jobs per 1,000 workers metric of 4.727 suggests a healthy presence of these roles within the Erie workforce, indicating consistent opportunities.
How does Erie's cost of living compare to other cities for this role?
Erie's Cost of Living Index of 100 means it is exactly average nationally, making the $34,800 salary's purchasing power equivalent to the national average for a similar role in an average-cost city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 4.727 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 Erie, PA