Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Fort Wayne, IN, earn an average annual salary of $34,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs influence compensation for these roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,390.
- Outlook: Fort Wayne's job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria appears moderately robust, with a local workforce of approximately 800 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.23 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, demand within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Wayne, IN earns-9.0%below the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,892
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 roles across the nation, including Fort Wayne, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Fort Wayne, IN
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Fort Wayne typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and extensive experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this occupation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,930 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,025 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,010 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,375 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,390 | $22.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $34,700 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (on par with the national average), the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Wayne translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national median. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
3.568
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Fort Wayne, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.23 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Wayne signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Fort Wayne is somewhat more specialized in this area, potentially offering more opportunities than a location with a quotient of 1.0, but it doesn't indicate an oversaturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lima, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,290↓ 1% | 59 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,590↓ 3% | 59 mi |
| Muncie, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,250↓ 1% | 63 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,220↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 7% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Wayne, IN is $34,700. This typically ranges from $27,930 for entry-level positions to $47,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 9.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but it is competitive.The average salary of $34,700 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The Location Quotient of 1.23 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs, suggesting stable demand.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($34,290) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Fort Wayne?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks typically earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing, utilities, and groceries, is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Fort Wayne?
There are approximately 800 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Wayne, IN. This represents about 3.568 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for institutional cooks growing in Fort Wayne?
While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the Location Quotient of 1.23 suggests a stable presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Fort Wayne, indicating consistent demand rather than rapid expansion or contraction.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 3.568 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 Fort Wayne, IN
- All Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Management Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
- Browse All Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN