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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Louisiana

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings across Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $27,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized compensation trend. Factors such as regional economic conditions and the specific demand within Louisiana's food service sector likely contribute to this disparity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,580 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,750.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 6,280 individuals in this role, Louisiana demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The location quotient of 1.13 suggests that this profession is slightly more concentrated in Louisiana than the national average, implying a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,580

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Louisiana earns-27.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.3

Weekly

$530

Monthly

$2,298

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Louisiana

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Louisiana typically involves a salary increase 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 higher salaries, reflecting the typical percentile gaps seen in career advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,110$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,685$9.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,410$12.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,475$16.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,750$17.2

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,580

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,978

Adjusted for COL (92)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,580 in Louisiana needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 92. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of the salary, while lower in absolute terms than the national average, may offer a comparable or slightly better standard of living for residents.

Job Market Context

6,280

Total Jobs

3.285

Per 1K Jobs

1.13

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.13, Louisiana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.13 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are 13% more concentrated in Louisiana than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a slightly more robust market for these roles in Louisiana compared to the nation, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Alexandria, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$29,670↑ 8%37 mi
Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$27,860↑ 1%67 mi
Lafayette, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$28,060↑ 2%67 mi
Monroe, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$24,350↓ 12%94 mi
Hammond, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$29,600↑ 7%95 mi

Comparing salaries near Louisiana

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Louisiana is $27,580. This typically ranges from $20,110 for entry-level positions to $35,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 27.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, Louisiana is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $27,580 is significantly lower than the national average, even when considering the lower cost of living.

Is Louisiana a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($29,670) and Baton Rouge, LA.

How does Louisiana's cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Louisiana is $27,580, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.

What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a Location Quotient of 1.13 for this profession, meaning the jobs are 13% more concentrated in the state than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in Louisiana?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92, Louisiana's lower cost of living helps to offset the lower nominal salary, making the effective purchasing power more competitive.

What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Louisiana?

There are approximately 6,280 individuals employed as Cooks in institutions and cafeterias across Louisiana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,280 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 3.285 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Louisiana