Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area earn an average annual salary of $35,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and specific industry demands can influence compensation levels. The Indianapolis market reflects a balance between the cost of living and the demand for these essential culinary roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,700.
- Outlook: The Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood area supports a robust workforce of 3,150 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for culinary talent in institutional settings. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN earns-6.2%below the national average.
$17.2
$688
$2,979
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen consistent, albeit modest, salary growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a sustained need for qualified kitchen staff. The Indianapolis market likely mirrors this national trend, with incremental salary increases reflecting the evolving economic landscape.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
The career path for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, reflecting enhanced skills, greater responsibility, and potentially supervisory duties. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear 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) | $28,760 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,813 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,688 | $21.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,700 | $20.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,750 in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national average, suggesting that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses at a similar rate to other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
3,150
Total Jobs
2.873
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN has 0.99x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is remarkably close to the national average in terms of job concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is consistent with the national trend, offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking staff and professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,460↓ 9% | 8 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,730↓ 8% | 8 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,690↓ 9% | 8 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,660↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,430↓ 4% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is $35,750. This typically ranges from $28,760 for entry-level positions to $42,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 6.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,750 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market.
Is Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area ($32,460) and Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Indianapolis?
Experience is a key factor in salary progression for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can earn significantly more, reflecting their value and expertise.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role?
A Location Quotient of 0.99 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood is very close to the national average. This indicates a stable and predictable job market for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook's salary?
The cost of living in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood is at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $35,750 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Indianapolis?
With 3,150 local workers and nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a substantial presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, indicating consistent demand and availability of positions within the metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,150 employees in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN area with a job density of 2.873 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 Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN