Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Helena, MT
The average salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Helena, MT is $37,240. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,010.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Helena, MT economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Helena, MT earns-2.3%below the national average.
$17.9
$716
$3,103
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Historical trend data for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Helena, MT is limited, but current market signals indicate a stable demand environment.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Helena, 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 $29,160, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $47,010.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,160 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,930 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,220 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,550 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,010 | $22.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Helena, MT, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $37,240 to $37,240.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
2.884
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 0.99x 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.
130 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Helena, MT.
Moderate density — roughly 2.884 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,390↓ 2% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,230↓ 0% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,930↓ 1% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,040↓ 1% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,970↑ 5% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Helena, MT is $37,240. This typically ranges from $29,160 for entry-level positions to $47,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 2.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Helena, MT a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Helena, MT is $37,240 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Helena, MT. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,390) and West 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 130 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 2.884 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 Helena, MT