Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kankakee, IL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Kankakee, IL, earn an average annual salary of $35,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating localized pay scales influenced by regional economic factors and employer demand. While the nominal salary may seem lower, the cost of living in Kankakee is precisely at the national average, suggesting a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,560.
- Outlook: The Kankakee job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.98, nearly double the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized local industry for these roles relative to other occupations. With 240 individuals employed in this sector locally, representing 5.757 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates a robust presence and consistent need for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kankakee, IL earns-6.2%below the national average.
$17.2
$688
$2,982
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kankakee's institutional cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Across the United States, the culinary sector has seen wage growth driven by increased demand for food services and a need to attract and retain skilled staff. This suggests that Kankakee cooks have likely experienced incremental salary increases over the last four years, aligning with broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Kankakee, IL
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings, though not explicitly detailed here, would show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying clear career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with accumulating expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,835 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,830 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,725 | $21.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,560 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,780 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kankakee, IL, is directly offset by the local Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Kankakee is equivalent to the national average, making the reported income hold its value effectively within the local economic landscape.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
5.757
Per 1K Jobs
1.98
Location Quotient
Kankakee, IL has 2.0x 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.
Kankakee's Location Quotient of 1.98 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the local market has a greater demand for these roles relative to its overall workforce size, or that Kankakee is a hub for institutional food services. This elevated concentration indicates a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking talent, but also offers more opportunities for job seekers in this specific culinary niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,780↑ 11% | 55 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,390↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,570↑ 11% | 72 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↓ 2% | 72 mi |
| Bloomington, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,190↑ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kankakee, IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Kankakee, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kankakee, IL is $35,780. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kankakee, IL is 6.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Kankakee, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Kankakee, IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,780 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Kankakee, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Kankakee, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kankakee, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($39,780) and Michigan City-La Porte, IN.
How does Kankakee's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kankakee, IL is $35,780, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.98 mean for Kankakee's job market?
A Location Quotient of 1.98 indicates that Kankakee has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living in Kankakee affect the salary's value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Kankakee's cost of living matches the national average. Therefore, the $35,780 salary in Kankakee offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Kankakee?
There are approximately 240 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kankakee, IL, representing 5.757 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Kankakee, IL area with a job density of 5.757 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 Kankakee, IL