Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Montana
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Montana earn an average annual salary of $37,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130. The specific demand and economic factors within Montana, such as the cost of living and the concentration of these roles, contribute to this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,860.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,270 individuals in this role, Montana demonstrates a notable presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Montana compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montana earns-2.1%below the national average.
$18
$718
$3,112
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Montana is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living increases and the demand for skilled kitchen staff remains consistent.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Montana
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,640 | $14.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,005 | $13.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,690 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,675 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,860 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,930
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,340 in Montana needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 106.9. This index, which is nearly 7% higher than the national average, suggests that the purchasing power of the average cook's salary may be somewhat constrained. While the salary is close to the national average, the higher cost of living implies that take-home pay might not stretch as far as in more affordable regions.
Job Market Context
2,270
Total Jobs
4.451
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Montana has 1.5x 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.
Montana's Location Quotient of 1.53 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This means the profession is more prevalent in Montana than the national average, suggesting a higher demand relative to the overall workforce. This concentration can translate to more job opportunities but also potentially increased competition among qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,390↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,240↓ 0% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,970↑ 4% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montana is $37,340. This typically ranges from $29,640 for entry-level positions to $46,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 2.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary is comparable to the national average, the higher cost of living in Montana means the purchasing power of the $37,340 salary is somewhat diminished. The market does show a higher concentration of these roles, indicating demand.
Is Montana a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,390) and Helena, MT.
How does Montana's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
Montana's Cost of Living Index of 106.9 means that everyday expenses are about 7% higher than the national average. Therefore, the average cook's salary of $37,340 may not provide the same level of disposable income as it would in a lower-cost state.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.53 mean for cooks in Montana?
A Location Quotient of 1.53 signifies that cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings are 53% more concentrated in Montana's workforce than the national average. This suggests a stronger presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the state.
How many institutional and cafeteria cooks are there in Montana?
There are approximately 2,270 individuals employed as Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within Montana.
Is the job market for cooks in Montana competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 1.53, the market shows a higher concentration of these jobs, which could indicate robust demand. However, the level of competition depends on the number of qualified applicants versus available positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,270 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 4.451 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 Montana