Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Lake Charles, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $30,110. 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 and region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,690.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lake Charles, LA, comprises approximately 260 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of 2.597 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lake Charles, LA earns-21.0%below the national average.
$14.5
$579
$2,509
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Lake Charles is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects the ongoing need for these essential food service positions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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 salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement 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) | $21,990 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,583 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,500 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,638 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,690 | $18.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,110 in Lake Charles aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by a Cook in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have across the country, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
2.597
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 0.89x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.89 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lake Charles indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not exceptionally competitive, potentially offering a good balance for job seekers looking for opportunities without overwhelming saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,420↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,060↓ 7% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,670↓ 1% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lake Charles, LA is $30,110. This typically ranges from $21,990 for entry-level positions to $38,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 21.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Cooks in Lake Charles earn approximately $8,000 less annually than the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($30,420) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability for Cooks?
With a local workforce of 260, the market is of a moderate size. This suggests a stable number of positions, but potentially fewer opportunities for rapid expansion or a large influx of new roles compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.89 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.89 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Lake Charles is slightly below the national average. This implies a steady demand but potentially less intense competition for available positions.
How does the Cost of Living in Lake Charles compare nationally?
Lake Charles has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the United States.
What is the average number of Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in Lake Charles?
There are approximately 2.597 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lake Charles, indicating a consistent presence of these roles within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 2.597 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 Lake Charles, LA