Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Johnson City, TN
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Johnson City, TN, earn an average annual salary of $30,790. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local job market. The cost of living in Johnson City aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,210.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.76, significantly above the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized local industry for these roles relative to other occupations. With a total local workforce of 420 individuals in this specific role and 5.119 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market indicates a robust presence and potential for stable employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN earns-19.2%below the national average.
$14.8
$592
$2,566
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Johnson City is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for skilled positions like institutional cooks, suggesting that current earnings may represent an upward trajectory from previous years.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Johnson City, TN
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN, typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased proficiency and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,870 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,093 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,760 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,488 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,210 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,790 in Johnson City, TN, is directly juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the local cost of goods and services does not present a disadvantage in terms of purchasing power. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by a cost of living that allows for a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
5.119
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Johnson City, TN has 1.8x 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.
Johnson City, TN, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.76. This figure, well above the national benchmark of 1.0, indicates that these positions are more prevalent in Johnson City relative to the national distribution of jobs. Such a high concentration suggests a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, while also offering ample opportunities for job seekers within this specialized culinary field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,210↑ 8% | 16 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,040↓ 2% | 52 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,600↑ 16% | 54 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,270↑ 8% | 72 mi |
| Knoxville, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,190↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Johnson City, TN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Johnson City, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN is $30,790. This typically ranges from $24,870 for entry-level positions to $35,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Johnson City, TN is 19.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Johnson City, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but the cost of living offers parity.The average salary of $30,790 is below the national average, suggesting it's not exceptionally lucrative in nominal terms. However, with a Cost of Living Index matching the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to other regions.
Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Johnson City, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Johnson City, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA ($33,210) and Morristown, TN.
How does the Johnson City cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN, is $30,790, which is notably lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Johnson City for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.76 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are 76% more concentrated in Johnson City than the national average, suggesting higher local demand or a specialized industry presence.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Johnson City is 100, matching the national average. This means the lower nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Johnson City?
There are approximately 420 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Johnson City, TN, representing 5.119 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Johnson City, TN area with a job density of 5.119 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 Johnson City, TN