Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, earn an average annual salary of $35,190. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common trend in areas with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's institutions and cafeterias contribute to this salary positioning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,790.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.98 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced demand and supply within the area. With 2.842 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these roles is consistent with national employment patterns.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-7.7%below the national average.
$16.9
$677
$2,933
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and increased demand for skilled culinary professionals in institutional settings likely contribute to incremental salary increases, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic landscape.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,020 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,393 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,790 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,988 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,790 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,190 in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this location is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the earnings provide a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country without significant financial strain or advantage.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
2.842
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.98x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive market where the number of available positions closely reflects the national distribution. Professionals in this field can expect a stable job environment with opportunities that are neither exceptionally scarce nor overly saturated compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,220↑ 0% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,460↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,730↓ 7% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,690↓ 7% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,750↑ 2% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $35,190. This typically ranges from $28,020 for entry-level positions to $42,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 7.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it offers average compensation relative to the cost of living.The average salary of $35,190 aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). While stable, it does not present a significantly lucrative opportunity compared to the national average.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($35,220) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette-West Lafayette salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, is $35,190, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, indicating that the number of these jobs is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $35,190 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.98 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.98 suggests a balanced job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lafayette-West Lafayette, with demand and supply closely mirroring national trends.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 2.842 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN