Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area earn an average annual salary of $36,790. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that while the demand for these roles is present, local economic factors or a slightly more saturated market may influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape of this coastal region plays a significant role in shaping these salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,750.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, shows a healthy concentration, with a total workforce of 320 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.33 indicates a higher prevalence of this occupation compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-3.5%below the national average.
$17.7
$708
$3,066
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and location isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for institutional and cafeteria cooks have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and a growing awareness of the importance of consistent culinary staffing. This suggests that the $36,790 average may see incremental growth in the coming years.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts earnings for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in institutional settings can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify clear career progression pathways from novice to senior culinary roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,900 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,593 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,120 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,988 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,750 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,790 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, indicating that the salary is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to the cost of daily expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
3.862
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.33, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, area demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a more competitive or at least a more abundant job market for these professionals compared to other regions, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a higher density of workers in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,880↓ 8% | 28 mi |
| Hinesville, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,160↓ 13% | 57 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,430↓ 4% | 63 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,120↓ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $36,790. This typically ranges from $27,900 for entry-level positions to $45,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 3.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the area has a higher concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.33), the average salary of $36,790 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($33,880) and Hinesville, GA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is $36,790, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.33?
A Location Quotient of 1.33 means that the occupation of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is 33% more concentrated in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in this area?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary of $36,790 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it's neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
What does the total local workforce number of 320 imply?
A total local workforce of 320 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria suggests a moderately sized but established segment of the labor market dedicated to this profession within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 3.862 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 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC