SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Maryland

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $41,130. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that specific economic factors and demand within Maryland contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these culinary professionals. The state's economic environment and the operational needs of its institutions likely drive this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,130 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,600.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,730 individuals in this role, Maryland presents a substantial, albeit not overwhelmingly concentrated, market for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.47 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Maryland compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable demand that may not be saturated by a disproportionately large workforce. This balance points to a robust job market where skilled cooks can find consistent opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,130

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland earns+7.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.8

Weekly

$791

Monthly

$3,428

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Maryland

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, signify clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with accumulating expertise and taking on greater responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,390$16.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$30,848$14.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$38,900$18.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,413$24.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$49,600$23.8

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,130

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,878

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland stands at $41,130, the state's Cost of Living Index is 125.1, which is 25.1% higher than the national average. This means that despite earning more than the national average salary for this role, the purchasing power of $41,130 in Maryland is diminished due to the higher cost of goods and services, particularly housing. Prospective or current residents should carefully consider this when evaluating their financial well-being.

Job Market Context

3,730

Total Jobs

1.357

Per 1K Jobs

0.47

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.47x, Maryland has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.47 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland indicates that this profession is less prevalent in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available positions relative to the workforce size, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals. However, it also implies that employers might need to actively recruit to fill these roles, which could influence hiring practices and compensation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$43,140↑ 5%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$40,710↓ 1%19 mi
Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$35,850↓ 13%58 mi
Lexington Park, MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$40,020↓ 3%59 mi
York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$36,640↓ 11%62 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland is $41,130. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $49,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 7.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.

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

Yes, with caveats.Maryland offers a higher average salary ($41,130) than the national average ($38,130), but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living (125.1 index).

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

The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($43,140) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

How does Maryland's salary for cooks compare to the national average?

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Maryland earn an average of $41,130 annually, which is approximately $3,000 more than the national average of $38,130.

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

Maryland has a Location Quotient of 0.47 for this role, meaning the profession is less concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated job market.

How does the cost of living affect the salary of a cook in Maryland?

With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, Maryland is more expensive than the national average. This means the $41,130 salary may not stretch as far as it would in a lower-cost area, despite being above the national salary average.

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

There are approximately 3,730 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Maryland, representing 1.357 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,730 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 1.357 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 Maryland