Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Kentucky
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $32,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's institutional and cafeteria sectors. The localized pay scale is intrinsically tied to the economic landscape and operational costs prevalent in Kentucky.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,660.
- Outlook: Kentucky boasts a substantial workforce of 11,650 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, with a Location Quotient of 2.01, indicating a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This robust presence suggests a stable and potentially growing job market for these professionals within the state, implying consistent demand for their culinary and operational skills.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kentucky earns-15.3%below the national average.
$15.5
$621
$2,692
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving labor market and an increasing recognition of the value these essential workers bring to institutions and food service operations.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,460 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,225 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,770 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,375 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,660 | $21 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,969
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $32,300 in Kentucky for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria should be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the nominal salary may be relatively stronger locally, potentially offsetting the lower average wage compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
11,650
Total Jobs
5.842
Per 1K Jobs
2.01
Location Quotient
Kentucky 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.01, Kentucky demonstrates a job market that is more than twice as concentrated with Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles than the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive environment where employers may have a larger pool of candidates, but it also signifies a strong, established demand for these specialized culinary services within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,800↑ 14% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 15% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,930↑ 11% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Kentucky is $32,300. This typically ranges from $24,460 for entry-level positions to $43,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 15.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Kentucky is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,300 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the lower cost of living index of 89.8 may offer some mitigation to the lower nominal wage.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,800) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Kentucky has 5.842 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, indicating a solid presence of these roles within the state's overall employment landscape.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Kentucky?
A Location Quotient of 2.01 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are more than twice as common in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a higher concentration and demand within the state.
How does Kentucky's cost of living affect the Cook salary?
Kentucky's cost of living index of 89.8, which is below the national average, means that the $32,300 salary may offer a comparable or slightly better purchasing power than a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What does the total local workforce size indicate for job seekers?
With 11,650 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the local workforce, job seekers can expect a substantial number of opportunities, though the high concentration might also imply a competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,650 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 5.842 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 Kentucky