Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Great Falls, MT
The average salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Great Falls, MT is $36,390. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Great Falls, MT is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.5x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,860.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. With a high job density of 4.347 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Great Falls, MT earns-4.6%below the national average.
$17.5
$700
$3,033
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Great Falls, MT have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 42.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Great Falls, MT varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,070, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $46,860.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,070 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,293 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,488 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,860 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Great Falls, MT, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,390 to $36,390.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
4.347
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Great Falls, MT has 1.5x 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.
160 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Great Falls, MT.
Moderate density — roughly 4.347 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,230↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,930↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,040↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,240↑ 2% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Great Falls, MT is $36,390. This typically ranges from $29,070 for entry-level positions to $46,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 4.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Great Falls, MT is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($36,390), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($37,230) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 4.347 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 Great Falls, MT