Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earn an average annual salary of $26,400. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,990.
- Outlook: The Florence-Muscle Shoals area supports a local workforce of 210 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.31, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 31% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively robust demand and a stable job market for these positions within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earns-30.8%below the national average.
$12.7
$508
$2,200
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase likely reflects evolving industry standards and a sustained need for culinary services in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,500 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,800 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,490 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,000 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,990 | $16.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $26,400 in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this income.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
3.819
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.31 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are more concentrated in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these professionals in the local market compared to other occupations, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 3% | 42 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↑ 8% | 59 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↑ 18% | 84 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↑ 16% | 84 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,840↑ 21% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $26,400. This typically ranges from $18,500 for entry-level positions to $33,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 30.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,400 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.31) indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($25,600) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the local cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $26,400, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of cook jobs in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 1.31, indicating that these jobs are 31% more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the cook salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $26,400 has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
What is the total number of cooks employed in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
There are approximately 210 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals employed in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area with a job density of 3.819 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 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL