Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Mississippi
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $27,190. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized institutional culinary roles contribute to this pay disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,390.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 6,470 individuals in this role, Mississippi demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.92. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established presence for these professionals within the state's job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Mississippi earns-28.7%below the national average.
$13.1
$523
$2,266
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Mississippi have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving labor market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Mississippi
Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,060 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,393 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,830 | $12.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,988 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,390 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,361
Adjusted for COL (86.7)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,190 in Mississippi for this role must be considered within the context of the state's Cost of Living Index, which stands at 86.7. This index, below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the local salary may offer a relatively comfortable standard of living compared to higher-cost regions, despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
6,470
Total Jobs
5.577
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Mississippi has 1.9x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Mississippi's Location Quotient of 1.92 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a market where this profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles, while also suggesting ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,110↑ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Mississippi
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Mississippi is $27,190. This typically ranges from $19,060 for entry-level positions to $36,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 28.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Mississippi is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias when compared to national averages.The average salary of $27,190 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the lower cost of living index of 86.7 may partially offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is Mississippi a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($28,110) and others.
How does the Mississippi salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Mississippi is $27,190, which is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a high concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 1.92, indicating the profession is more than twice as common as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Mississippi affect the salary?
Mississippi's Cost of Living Index is 86.7, which is below the national average. This means that the $27,190 salary may offer better purchasing power locally than it would in a higher-cost state.
What does the job market look like for institutional cooks in Mississippi?
The job market appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 6,470 and a high concentration (LQ 1.92), suggesting consistent demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,470 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 5.577 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 Mississippi