Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Florida
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings across Florida earn an average annual salary of $36,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that while demand exists, specific market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in certain regions of Florida may influence compensation levels for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,160.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 24,100 individuals in this profession, Florida demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The location quotient of 0.84 indicates that this role is slightly less concentrated in Florida compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida earns-4.0%below the national average.
$17.6
$704
$3,050
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a persistent need for culinary services in healthcare, education, and corporate environments likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Florida
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the potential for substantial career and financial growth within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,980 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,450 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,640 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,750 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,160 | $21.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,777
Adjusted for COL (102.3)
The average annual salary of $36,600 in Florida needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. This index is slightly above the national average, meaning that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also marginally higher. Therefore, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Florida is likely comparable to, or slightly less than, what they might experience in a more average cost-of-living area with a slightly higher nominal wage.
Job Market Context
24,100
Total Jobs
2.455
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Florida has 0.84x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida suggests that the job market for this role is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while there is a solid presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be moderately competitive. Employers may find a steady pool of candidates, but specialized skills or experience could still be a significant advantage.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sebring, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,000↓ 2% | 25 mi |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,840↑ 1% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,590↓ 3% | 49 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,970↑ 4% | 57 mi |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,800↑ 1% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florida
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Florida?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida is $36,600. This typically ranges from $28,980 for entry-level positions to $45,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florida is 4.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Florida a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,600 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is only slightly higher, the overall compensation is not a significant draw.
Is Florida a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sebring, FL ($36,000) and Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL.
How does Florida's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
Florida's Cost of Living Index of 102.3 means that everyday expenses are slightly higher than the national average. This, combined with a salary below the national average, suggests that the purchasing power of a cook's earnings in Florida is somewhat diminished.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Florida?
The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Florida compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Florida?
Florida employs approximately 24,100 individuals in the role of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in this sector.
Can experience significantly increase a cook's salary in Florida?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn substantially more than entry-level positions, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,100 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 2.455 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 Florida