SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Indiana

Cooks in Indiana earn an average annual salary of $34,480, which is below the national average of $38,130. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria roles within Indiana's job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,230.
  • Outlook: Indiana's market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 11,690 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Indiana compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a potentially stable job market for culinary professionals in institutional settings.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,480

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indiana earns-9.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.6

Weekly

$663

Monthly

$2,873

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Indiana

As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary data would signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,930$13.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,860$12.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,080$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,100$20.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,230$20.3

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,311

Adjusted for COL (90)

The nominal average annual salary of $34,480 in Indiana should be viewed favorably when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 90. This index is 10% lower than the national average, meaning that the purchasing power of an Indiana salary is effectively higher than the raw number suggests, making the take-home pay more substantial in real terms.

Job Market Context

11,690

Total Jobs

3.667

Per 1K Jobs

1.26

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.26, Indiana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.26, Indiana demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions that is 26% higher than the national average. This indicates a relatively abundant job market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,750↑ 4%8 mi
Kokomo, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,220↑ 2%43 mi
Columbus, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$33,660↓ 2%48 mi
Bloomington, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$34,430↓ 0%49 mi
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,190↑ 2%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Indiana

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Indiana?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indiana is $34,480. This typically ranges from $27,930 for entry-level positions to $42,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Indiana is 9.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Indiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $34,480 is below the national average, Indiana's lower cost of living (90 index) means your earnings can stretch further. The higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.26) suggests ample opportunities.

Is Indiana a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Indiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,750) and Kokomo, IN.

How does Indiana's cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Indiana earn an average of $34,480 annually, which is approximately $3,650 less than the national average salary of $38,130.

What is the job concentration for cooks in Indiana?

Indiana has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.26.

How does the cost of living affect the cook salary in Indiana?

Indiana's cost of living is 10% lower than the national average (index of 90), meaning the $34,480 salary offers greater purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living state.

What is the total number of cooks employed in Indiana?

There are approximately 11,690 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indiana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,690 employees in the Indiana area with a job density of 3.667 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Indiana