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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Gadsden, AL

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Gadsden, AL, earn an average annual salary of $24,000. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a potentially smaller market demand contribute to this disparity in compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,790.
  • Outlook: The Gadsden, AL job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.24, indicating a demand nearly 2.24 times the national average. Despite a modest total local workforce of 210, this high concentration suggests that roles within this sector are relatively more prevalent and potentially more stable within the Gadsden economy compared to national trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,000

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Gadsden, AL earns-37.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.5

Weekly

$462

Monthly

$2,000

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Gadsden, AL

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Gadsden, AL, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,710$8.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,000$8.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$21,860$10.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$30,000$14.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$32,790$15.8

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $24,000 in Gadsden, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Gadsden is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

6.5

Per 1K Jobs

2.24

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Gadsden, AL has 2.2x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.24, Gadsden, AL, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these roles, making the job market potentially competitive for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for job seekers within this specific culinary niche.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$26,510↑ 10%26 mi
Rome, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$31,480↑ 31%51 mi
Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$27,930↑ 16%56 mi
Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$28,530↑ 19%60 mi
Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$25,600↑ 7%68 mi

Comparing salaries near Gadsden, AL

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Gadsden, AL?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Gadsden, AL is $24,000. This typically ranges from $17,710 for entry-level positions to $32,790 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Gadsden, AL is 37.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Gadsden, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not compared to the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $24,000 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130 for this role.

Is Gadsden, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Gadsden, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Gadsden, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Anniston-Oxford, AL ($26,510) and Rome, GA.

How does the Gadsden job market compare to the national average for institutional cooks?

Gadsden has a significantly higher concentration of institutional cooks, with a Location Quotient of 2.24, indicating more job opportunities relative to the national average.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Gadsden, AL?

The average annual salary for a Cook in an institution or cafeteria in Gadsden, AL, is approximately $24,000.

Is the cost of living in Gadsden, AL high?

No, the cost of living in Gadsden, AL, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.

How many institutional cooks work in Gadsden, AL?

There are approximately 210 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Gadsden, AL, representing 6.5 jobs per 1,000 workers.

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 Gadsden, AL area with a job density of 6.5 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Gadsden, AL