Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lafayette, LA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $28,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific role in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,130.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 380 individuals in this role, Lafayette, LA, presents a moderate employment landscape for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand within the immediate area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA earns-26.4%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,338
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Lafayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a steady demand for food services.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA, is closely tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distributions reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,880 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,045 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,910 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,075 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,130 | $16.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,060 in Lafayette, LA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
2.142
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.74x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.74 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA, suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while there is a consistent need for these services, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,860↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,170↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,570↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $23,380↓ 17% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,110↑ 7% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA is $28,060. This typically ranges from $21,880 for entry-level positions to $34,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 26.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,060 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($27,860) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA, is $28,060.
How does Lafayette's cost of living compare to the national average?
Lafayette, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.74 mean for this job in Lafayette?
A Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Lafayette is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 380 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette, LA, representing 2.142 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 2.142 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 Lafayette, LA