Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $36,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation within this specific region. The pay scale reflects the unique balance of the local job market and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,780.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,360 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.66 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable job outlook for skilled professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-3.5%below the national average.
$17.7
$708
$3,067
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and the need for experienced culinary professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary knowledge can command significantly 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) | $28,730 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,600 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,900 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,000 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,780 | $23.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,800 in Lexington-Fayette, KY aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, making it a relatively stable financial environment for individuals considering relocation.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
4.818
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 1.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.66, Lexington-Fayette, KY demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is more specialized and potentially offers more opportunities for individuals in this profession compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,690↓ 19% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,650↓ 22% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,830↓ 22% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,900↓ 27% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $36,800. This typically ranges from $28,730 for entry-level positions to $48,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 3.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly below the national average. However, the higher concentration of jobs indicates strong local demand.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($29,690) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $36,800.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,800) is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.66 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY is at the national average (100), meaning the $36,800 salary has average purchasing power locally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 4.818 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY