Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lawton, OK
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Lawton, Oklahoma, earn an average annual salary of $33,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Lawton influence compensation for these roles. The specific demands and economic landscape of the Lawton area shape the earning potential for this vital profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,010.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lawton, OK, shows significant local concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.24. With a total local workforce of 530 individuals in this role and 12.319 jobs per 1,000 workers, demand appears robust relative to the national average, suggesting a stable employment environment for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lawton, OK earns-13.1%below the national average.
$15.9
$637
$2,760
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lawton's institutional cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demand for food services likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract skilled culinary professionals to the area.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lawton, OK
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lawton, OK, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and acquired proficiency within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,920 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,840 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,540 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,400 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,010 | $19.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,120 in Lawton, OK, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is effectively on par with the national standard. Therefore, the salary offers a comparable lifestyle in terms of everyday expenses within Lawton.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
12.319
Per 1K Jobs
4.24
Location Quotient
Lawton, OK has 4.2x 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.
Lawton, OK, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, boasting a Location Quotient of 4.24. This significantly elevated quotient indicates that this profession is substantially more prevalent in Lawton than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors these roles. The job market is therefore quite abundant for individuals seeking such employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,440↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| Oklahoma City, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,150↓ 9% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawton, OK
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lawton, OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lawton, OK is $33,120. This typically ranges from $21,920 for entry-level positions to $40,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawton, OK is 13.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lawton, OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Lawton, OK is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,120 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Lawton, OK a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawton, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawton, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita Falls, TX ($32,440) and Oklahoma City, OK.
How does Lawton's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lawton, OK is $33,120, which is $5,010 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Lawton, OK?
Lawton, OK has a high concentration of these jobs, with a Location Quotient of 4.24, meaning the profession is over four times more common there than the national average.
Does the Cost of Living in Lawton affect the salary's value?
No, the Cost of Living Index in Lawton is 100, which is the national average. This means the $33,120 salary has the same purchasing power in Lawton as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there in Lawton, OK?
There are approximately 530 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Lawton, OK, representing 12.319 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Lawton, OK area with a job density of 12.319 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 Lawton, OK