Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area earn an average annual salary of $30,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for this role. The specific needs and budget constraints of institutions and cafeterias in the region likely influence these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,940.
- Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland region supports a local workforce of 1,010 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 2.47, this role is significantly more concentrated in this area than the national average, indicating a robust local demand or a specialized industry presence. The presence of over 7 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for these culinary professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-20.0%below the national average.
$14.7
$586
$2,541
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth would typically be driven by increasing operational costs for institutions, a desire to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff, and potentially a gradual rise in demand for food services within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in institutional or large-scale food service operations can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Huntington-Ashland would reflect this progression, with senior cooks occupying the higher earning brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,580 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,868 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,590 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,113 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,940 | $19.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,490 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntington-Ashland aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within the local area is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively balanced by the stable cost of essential goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
7.193
Per 1K Jobs
2.47
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 2.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.47 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntington-Ashland signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these positions is relatively abundant and that the demand within the region is more than double the national average per capita. Employers may find a larger pool of qualified candidates, but competition for desirable roles could still exist.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 3% | 44 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 3% | 76 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,880↓ 2% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $30,490. This typically ranges from $23,580 for entry-level positions to $40,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 20.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,490 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($29,570) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
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 Huntington-Ashland is $30,490, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Huntington-Ashland?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.47, indicating that this role is more than twice as common in Huntington-Ashland compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland is 100, which is the national average. This means the $30,490 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in Huntington-Ashland?
There are approximately 1,010 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 7.193 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH