Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area earn an average annual salary of $35,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that while demand exists, local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region contribute to this pay scale. Understanding these local nuances is key for culinary professionals in this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,840.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a local workforce of 450 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 1.28, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 28% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within the region, signaling a stable job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-8.2%below the national average.
$16.8
$673
$2,918
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled trades and service positions as demand solidifies and cost of living adjustments are made.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify clear career progression pathways from novice to senior culinary roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,580 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,265 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,140 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,775 | $21 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,840 | $19.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,020 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
3.723
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kalamazoo-Portage signifies a notable concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized or in higher demand relative to the general employment landscape, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,420↑ 4% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,590↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,270↑ 1% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,130↑ 6% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 6% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $35,020. This typically ranges from $27,580 for entry-level positions to $40,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 8.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the area has a higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.28), the average salary of $35,020 is below the national average of $38,130, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($36,420) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $35,020, which is approximately $3,110 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.28 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates that there is a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage compared to the national average, suggesting potentially more job opportunities in this field.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kalamazoo-Portage?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $35,020 in Kalamazoo-Portage has the same purchasing power as the national average salary across the country.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 450 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed within the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 3.723 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI