Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Idaho
Cooks in Idaho earn an average annual salary of $33,890, which is below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for food service professionals and the prevailing wage scales within the state's institutional and cafeteria sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,950 individuals in this role, Idaho demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.61. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established presence for these professionals within the state's job market, implying a stable environment for employment.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Idaho earns-11.1%below the national average.
$16.3
$652
$2,824
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Idaho is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. This growth would likely reflect increased operational costs for institutions and a sustained need for skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Idaho
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Idaho typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value of their expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,320 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,418 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,880 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,363 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,820 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,942
Adjusted for COL (106.1)
The average annual salary of $33,890 in Idaho needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 106.1. This index, slightly above the national average, suggests that while nominal earnings are lower than the national average, the purchasing power might be somewhat impacted by the higher cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
3,950
Total Jobs
4.674
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Idaho has 1.6x 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.
Idaho's Location Quotient of 1.61 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a market that is 61% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand or a larger proportion of these jobs compared to the national distribution, suggesting a competitive yet potentially opportunity-rich environment for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,800↑ 3% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Idaho
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Idaho?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Idaho is $33,890. This typically ranges from $26,320 for entry-level positions to $43,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Idaho is 11.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Idaho a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Idaho is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,890 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is only slightly higher, the earning potential is demonstrably lower.
Is Idaho a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Idaho is 106.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Idaho?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boise City, ID ($34,800) and others.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Idaho has 4.674 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, which is a key indicator of local job availability relative to the workforce size.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.61?
An LQ of 1.61 means that Idaho has a significantly higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks than the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Idaho affect the Cook salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 106.1, the $33,890 salary in Idaho offers slightly less purchasing power than a similar salary in a national average cost-of-living area.
What does the total local workforce number of 3,950 imply?
The 3,950 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Idaho represent a substantial segment of the food service industry within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,950 employees in the Idaho area with a job density of 4.674 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 Idaho