Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Cooks in the institution and cafeteria sector in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL, earn an average annual salary of $36,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and regional demand play a role in compensation for these vital food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 61.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,240 individuals in this role, Lakeland-Winter Haven demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates that this profession is more prevalent in the area than the national average, pointing to a robust and potentially growing demand for these culinary skills.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL earns-3.4%below the national average.
$17.7
$708
$3,070
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 have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a stable, if not slightly increasing, earning potential for professionals in this field within the Lakeland-Winter Haven region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,990 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,630 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,310 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,050 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,170 | $23.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,840 in Lakeland-Winter Haven aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by cooks in this area holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
4.734
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.63 signifies that Lakeland-Winter Haven has a notably higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may actively seek out skilled individuals, potentially leading to more opportunities but also requiring professionals to highlight their unique qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,730↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,960↑ 3% | 26 mi |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,590↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,970↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↓ 7% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $36,840. This typically ranges from $26,990 for entry-level positions to $49,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 3.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $36,840 is slightly below the national average, the strong Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates a high demand and concentration of these roles, suggesting ample job opportunities.
Is Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Florida nonmetropolitan area ($33,730) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL is $36,840, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for cooks in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
A Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Lakeland-Winter Haven is 63% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $36,840 salary in Lakeland-Winter Haven offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,240 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area with a job density of 4.734 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 Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL