Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Knoxville, TN
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $32,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Knoxville influence compensation for these roles. While the pay may differ from national benchmarks, understanding the local economic landscape is key to evaluating this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,190.
- Outlook: Knoxville, TN, hosts a substantial workforce of 1,260 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these jobs in Knoxville is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps growing demand for culinary staff in institutional settings within the region. This suggests a robust local job market for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Knoxville, TN earns-15.6%below the national average.
$15.5
$619
$2,683
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Knoxville have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals and adjustments to the cost of living within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often represent the lower percentiles of the salary range, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills command higher earnings, falling into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,480 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,143 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,050 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,238 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,190 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,190 for Cooks in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by these professionals in Knoxville has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area. Therefore, the salary is effectively balanced with the local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,260
Total Jobs
3.005
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, Knoxville, TN, demonstrates a job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria that is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, indicating that the market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, providing a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,040↓ 7% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,260↓ 6% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,600↑ 11% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,210↑ 3% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,790↓ 4% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Knoxville, TN is $32,190. This typically ranges from $25,480 for entry-level positions to $41,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 15.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $32,190 is below the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative compensation in Knoxville.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($30,040) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the Knoxville job market compare to the national average for this role?
Knoxville's job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.03, suggesting comparable or slightly higher demand.
What is the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Knoxville?
The average salary of $32,190 in Knoxville has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area, due to the local Cost of Living Index being 100.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Knoxville?
Yes, with a workforce of 1,260 and a Location Quotient slightly above average, there appears to be a stable and consistent demand for Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Knoxville.
How much more can an experienced Cook earn in Knoxville?
While specific figures aren't provided, experienced Cooks typically earn significantly more than entry-level positions, moving into higher salary percentiles as their skills and responsibilities increase.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,260 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 3.005 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 Knoxville, TN