Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Lima, OH
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Lima, OH, earn an average annual salary of $34,290. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Lima's institutional sector likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, Lima, OH, demonstrates a concentrated demand for these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.76. This suggests that the role is more prevalent in Lima than the national average, pointing towards a stable job market for this occupation within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lima, OH earns-10.1%below the national average.
$16.5
$659
$2,858
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 Lima, OH, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase would reflect the ongoing need for these essential food service roles.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Lima, OH
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their earning potential to increase, with significant salary jumps often observed between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (experienced professionals). These percentile gaps highlight the tangible rewards of gaining expertise and responsibility in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,480 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,718 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,600 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,863 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,580 | $19.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,290 in Lima, OH, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Lima is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally correspond to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
5.125
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Lima, OH has 1.8x 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.
Lima, OH, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.76. This significantly higher-than-average quotient suggests that this profession is a key component of the local employment landscape, indicating a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent and a favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,570↑ 4% | 58 mi |
| Fort Wayne, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,700↑ 1% | 59 mi |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,950↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Toledo, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,580↑ 4% | 69 mi |
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,820↓ 1% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lima, OH
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Lima, OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Lima, OH is $34,290. This typically ranges from $28,480 for entry-level positions to $40,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lima, OH is 10.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Lima, OH 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 average salary of $34,290 is below the national average of $38,130. The high location quotient indicates strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Lima, OH a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Lima, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lima, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, OH ($35,570) and Fort Wayne, IN.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Lima, OH?
Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level cooks typically earn at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, reflecting increased value and expertise.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Lima?
A Location Quotient of 1.76 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in Lima at a rate 76% higher than the national average. This signifies a greater concentration and demand for these roles within the local economy.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 250 indicates a substantial, established presence of this occupation in Lima. While not a massive number, it suggests consistent opportunities and a stable job market for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Does the average salary account for benefits or overtime?
Typically, average salary figures represent base pay and may not fully encompass additional compensation like overtime, health benefits, or retirement contributions, which can vary significantly by employer.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Lima, OH area with a job density of 5.125 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 Lima, OH