Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,960. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks compared to more urbanized areas. The specific needs and economic landscape of this region directly influence compensation levels for these vital food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,320.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 320 individuals in this role, the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area presents a modest employment landscape for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding market. While not a hub of high demand, the consistent presence of these roles suggests ongoing opportunities for skilled culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area earns-18.8%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,580
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Middle Georgia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive up wages across most sectors, including food service. Therefore, cooks in this region have likely experienced incremental increases in their earning potential, though the pace may differ from national trends.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication, skill development, and years of service with increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,990 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,720 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,700 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,320 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,960 in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within the region is comparable to the national standard. Essentially, the lower salary is offset by a cost of living that does not exceed the national average.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.355
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area has 0.81x 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 0.81 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are slightly less concentrated in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant employment sector within the region. The job market is likely stable, with opportunities available but perhaps less competition for roles than in areas with a higher concentration of these positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Macon-Bibb County, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,690↑ 2% | 16 mi |
| Warner Robins, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,760↓ 1% | 31 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,670↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,100↑ 20% | 65 mi |
| Columbus, GA-AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,480↓ 2% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is $30,960. This typically ranges from $22,990 for entry-level positions to $43,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 18.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $30,960 is notably lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are not higher, the earning potential for this role is below the national benchmark.
Is Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($31,690) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is $30,960, which is $7,170 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area?
The location quotient is 0.81, meaning there are slightly fewer jobs per capita for this role in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower salary of $30,960 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 320 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.355 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 Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area