Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Huntsville, AL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Huntsville, AL, earn an average annual salary of $28,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for this role in the Rocket City. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone in or considering this profession in Huntsville.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,210.
- Outlook: Huntsville's market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 880 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, demand within the local institutional and cafeteria sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntsville, AL earns-25.2%below the national average.
$13.7
$549
$2,378
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Huntsville isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive incremental increases in compensation for most professions, including cooks, as employers adapt to maintain competitive wages and attract talent.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,400 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,398 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,280 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,663 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,210 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,530 in Huntsville aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this specific job, the purchasing power of that salary within Huntsville is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
3.401
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Huntsville, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, Huntsville demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles that is 17% higher than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where the demand for these culinary professionals is slightly more pronounced than in many other regions, potentially offering more job opportunities relative to the national distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 10% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↓ 7% | 59 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,000↓ 16% | 60 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↑ 9% | 73 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↑ 7% | 73 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Huntsville, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntsville, AL is $28,530. This typically ranges from $20,400 for entry-level positions to $38,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 25.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,530 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained locally.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($25,600) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does the Huntsville salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Huntsville, AL is $28,530, which is approximately $9,600 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Huntsville?
A Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Huntsville has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a moderately strong local demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Huntsville?
The cost of living in Huntsville is exactly at the national average (100). This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Huntsville?
There are approximately 880 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Huntsville, AL workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 3.401 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Huntsville, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Huntsville, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL