Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $39,280. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized premium for these essential culinary roles. The specific demands and economic landscape of the Milwaukee-Waukesha region likely contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,420.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 2,550 individuals in this role, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is slightly above the national average, pointing to a stable and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+3.0%above the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,273
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this granular role is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many industries. This anticipated growth is driven by factors such as inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps highlight the tangible financial rewards of gaining experience and advancing within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,810 | $15.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,880 | $18.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,420 | $23.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,280 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the pay is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation from a purely financial perspective.
Job Market Context
2,550
Total Jobs
3.108
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates that the Milwaukee-Waukesha metropolitan area has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is robust enough to support a slightly larger proportion of these roles, offering potential opportunities for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,160↓ 0% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,650↓ 2% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,070↓ 8% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,620↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,790↓ 1% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $39,280. This typically ranges from $31,810 for entry-level positions to $48,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 3.0% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $39,280 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering good value for this role.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($39,160) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 2,550 indicates a substantial pool of existing professionals, suggesting a mature market with ongoing demand for both new entrants and experienced cooks.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.07 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.07 means that jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are 7% more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than the national average, implying slightly stronger local demand.
How does experience affect salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
While entry-level positions will earn less, experienced cooks can expect their salaries to increase significantly, with senior roles commanding higher pay reflective of their skills and responsibilities.
Is the cost of living a factor when considering a move to Milwaukee-Waukesha for this job?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the expenses in Milwaukee-Waukesha are average. This means the slightly higher salary offers comparable purchasing power to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,550 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 3.108 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI