Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lebanon, PA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA, earn an average annual salary of $36,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in areas with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Lebanon's institutional and cafeteria sectors play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 300 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, Lebanon, PA, demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.96. This suggests that the demand for these roles is significantly higher relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for institutional cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA earns-4.1%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,048
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lebanon, PA, 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 national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals in institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lebanon, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,000 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,428 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,713 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,760 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,570 in Lebanon, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for residents in this role.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
5.698
Per 1K Jobs
1.96
Location Quotient
Lebanon, PA has 2.0x 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.
Lebanon, PA, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, with a Location Quotient of 1.96. This significantly higher-than-average concentration indicates a specialized local market where these roles are in greater demand relative to the national distribution, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,110↑ 1% | 22 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,550↓ 0% | 25 mi |
| Reading, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,340↓ 1% | 26 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,640↑ 0% | 31 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,490↑ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lebanon, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lebanon, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA is $36,570. This typically ranges from $29,000 for entry-level positions to $45,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lebanon, PA is 4.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lebanon, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $36,570 is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.96) suggests strong local demand and potential for career advancement within the area.
Is Lebanon, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lebanon, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lebanon, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lancaster, PA ($37,110) and Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA, is $36,570, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.96 mean?
An LQ of 1.96 signifies that Lebanon, PA, has nearly double the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average, indicating higher local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $36,570 salary in Lebanon, PA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lebanon, PA?
There are approximately 300 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Lebanon, PA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Lebanon, PA area with a job density of 5.698 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 Lebanon, PA