Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Jackson, MS
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Jackson, MS, earn an average annual salary of $28,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Mississippi capital. The cost of living in Jackson, however, aligns with the national average, suggesting a different dynamic at play for compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,180.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jackson, MS, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.58, suggesting a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. Coupled with a local workforce of 1,240 individuals in this profession, the demand appears stable, indicating a consistent need for these culinary professionals within the area's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jackson, MS earns-26.3%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,343
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Jackson, MS, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and the need for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jackson, MS, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,020 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,083 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,000 | $12.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,138 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,180 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,110 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jackson, MS, is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Jackson is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
4.604
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Jackson, MS 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, Jackson, MS, exhibits a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles that is 58% higher than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust demand for these professionals within the local market, potentially offering more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers compared to areas with a lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,530↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,340↓ 10% | 43 mi |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,000↓ 4% | 43 mi |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,790↓ 12% | 43 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,780↓ 5% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jackson, MS
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Jackson, MS?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Jackson, MS is $28,110. This typically ranges from $19,020 for entry-level positions to $37,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 26.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living in Jackson, MS, is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly lower than the national average, making it less lucrative in nominal terms.
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($26,530) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks in Jackson, MS?
A local workforce of 1,240 individuals in this role suggests a substantial pool of talent. While this indicates a presence, the Location Quotient of 1.58 implies demand is also relatively high, suggesting a balanced market rather than oversaturation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Jackson, MS?
A Location Quotient of 1.58 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Jackson, MS, is 58% higher than the national average. This indicates a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job availability relative to the national landscape.
How does the Cost of Living in Jackson, MS, impact the Cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that Jackson's cost of living is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the lower-than-average salary of $28,110 translates to average purchasing power within the local economy.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks in Jackson, MS?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory experience in Jackson, MS, can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 4.604 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 Jackson, MS