Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Hattiesburg, MS
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Hattiesburg, MS, earn an average annual salary of $26,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating that local economic factors and demand significantly influence compensation in this specific role within the Hattiesburg area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,950.
- Outlook: The Hattiesburg job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.04, suggesting a presence roughly twice as significant as the national average. With a local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable, supported by 5.919 jobs per 1,000 workers, pointing to a consistent need for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg, MS earns-29.8%below the national average.
$12.9
$515
$2,232
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg, MS, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect adjustments to the cost of living and evolving market demands for food service professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg, MS, typically involves an increase in earning potential with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with salary percentiles widening to reflect this expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,920 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,085 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,590 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,475 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,950 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,780 for Cooks in Hattiesburg, MS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Hattiesburg is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to other areas.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
5.919
Per 1K Jobs
2.04
Location Quotient
Hattiesburg, MS has 2.0x 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.
Hattiesburg, MS, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.04. This indicates that the demand for these positions is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,910↑ 12% | 63 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,220↑ 9% | 76 mi |
| Mobile, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,980↑ 1% | 83 mi |
| Jackson, MS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,110↑ 5% | 87 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,600↑ 11% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg, MS is $26,780. This typically ranges from $19,920 for entry-level positions to $36,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 29.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,780 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is at the national average. The high concentration suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($29,910) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does the Hattiesburg salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Hattiesburg, MS, is $26,780, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in Hattiesburg?
A Location Quotient of 2.04 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are twice as concentrated in Hattiesburg compared to the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for these positions within the local job market.
How does the cost of living in Hattiesburg affect the Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Hattiesburg is at the national average. This means the $26,780 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national average wage.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg?
There are approximately 370 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hattiesburg, MS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 5.919 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 Hattiesburg, MS