Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Illinois
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $38,050. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $38,130, indicating a stable pay scale across the state. Factors such as the concentration of food service operations and the overall demand within the state's diverse economy likely contribute to this alignment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,440.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 22,850 individuals in this role, Illinois demonstrates a significant presence in the institutional and cafeteria cooking sector. The Location Quotient of 1.3 further suggests that this profession is more concentrated in Illinois than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for these essential culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Illinois earns-0.2%below the national average.
$18.3
$732
$3,171
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Illinois have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and increasing demand for food services in institutions and cafeterias likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these workers.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Illinois typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential throughout one's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,330 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,538 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,430 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,563 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,440 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,449
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $38,050 in Illinois presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are generally more affordable in Illinois. Consequently, the nominal salary likely translates to a higher effective purchasing power for cooks in the state.
Job Market Context
22,850
Total Jobs
3.767
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
Illinois exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.3. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is higher relative to the national average, making the job market potentially competitive but also offering more opportunities. Employers in Illinois may actively seek out skilled individuals to fill these roles due to this elevated concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,190↑ 0% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,460↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,570↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,850↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,290↓ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Illinois is $38,050. This typically ranges from $29,330 for entry-level positions to $48,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 0.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary is on par with the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, providing good purchasing power. Furthermore, a higher location quotient indicates a strong demand for these roles within the state.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($38,190) and Decatur, IL.
How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Illinois is $38,050, which is very close to the national average of $38,130, indicating comparable compensation across the state and the country.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.3 mean for Cooks in Illinois?
A Location Quotient of 1.3 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Illinois is 30% higher than the national average, suggesting a more robust job market and potentially greater demand for these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Cook in Illinois?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average. This means the $38,050 salary can provide a better standard of living and purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Illinois?
There are approximately 22,850 individuals employed as Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within Illinois, reflecting a significant workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 22,850 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 3.767 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 Illinois