Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Montgomery, AL
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Montgomery, AL earn an average annual salary of $25,210. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local economic factors is crucial for assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,500.
- Outlook: Montgomery, AL supports a local workforce of 740 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 1.56, this indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these culinary professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montgomery, AL earns-33.9%below the national average.
$12.1
$485
$2,101
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a stable, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this profession within Montgomery.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Montgomery, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montgomery, AL typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,050 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,908 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,250 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,513 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,500 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,210 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montgomery, AL, aligns with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is effectively on par with the national standard.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
4.532
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Montgomery, AL has 1.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.56, Montgomery, AL demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles that is 56% higher than the national average. This suggests a more competitive market with potentially more job opportunities relative to the overall workforce size, indicating a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,070↓ 1% | 44 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,310↑ 0% | 44 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,480↓ 3% | 44 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,330↓ 3% | 44 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,320↑ 12% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montgomery, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Montgomery, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Montgomery, AL is $25,210. This typically ranges from $18,050 for entry-level positions to $35,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montgomery, AL is 33.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Montgomery, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $25,210 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. This indicates that earning potential in this role is less compared to other areas.
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Montgomery, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montgomery, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($25,070) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect salary?
A local workforce of 740 suggests a substantial presence of these roles, but the salary is more influenced by the national average and cost of living than the sheer number of workers.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.56 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.56 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Montgomery, meaning there are relatively more opportunities available compared to the national average, potentially increasing demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of the $25,210 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal salary is offset by average living expenses.
Are there opportunities for salary growth for Cooks in Montgomery?
Yes, as experience increases, salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically rise, offering career progression and higher earning potential within the Montgomery market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Montgomery, AL area with a job density of 4.532 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 Montgomery, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Montgomery, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Montgomery, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Montgomery, AL