Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $32,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as supply and demand for this specific role, may be influencing compensation levels in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,590 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, and a Location Quotient of 0.88, the job market in Memphis indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-14.4%below the national average.
$15.7
$628
$2,720
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,590 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,480 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,330 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,800 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,230 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,640 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Memphis aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the financial impact of the salary difference less pronounced.
Job Market Context
1,590
Total Jobs
2.57
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.88x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Memphis suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where employers may have a reasonable pool of candidates, but skilled individuals can still find opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,850↓ 5% | 64 mi |
| Jackson, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,740↑ 0% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $32,640. This typically ranges from $23,590 for entry-level positions to $43,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 14.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,640 is below the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($30,850) and Jackson, TN.
How does the Memphis salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Memphis is $32,640, which is approximately 14.4% lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Memphis?
An LQ of 0.88 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Memphis is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles in the region.
Does the cost of living in Memphis affect the perceived value of the Cook salary?
No, the cost of living in Memphis is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the lower nominal salary of $32,640 has the same relative purchasing power as the higher national average salary.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in the Memphis area?
There are approximately 1,590 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,590 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 2.57 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- All Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Management Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Production Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
- Browse All Jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR