Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Morgantown, WV
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $32,460. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this specific role within the region. The pay scale in Morgantown for these positions reflects a unique interplay of local market conditions and the specific needs of its institutions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,440.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV, shows a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.68, significantly above the national average. With a local workforce of 330 individuals in this role, and 4.884 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a clear demand and a substantial presence of these professionals, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for this occupation in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV earns-14.9%below the national average.
$15.6
$624
$2,705
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Morgantown's institutional cooks is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental salary increases for most professions, including culinary roles. Therefore, cooks in Morgantown likely have experienced modest salary advancements, aligning with broader economic shifts.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential at various career stages, with senior roles occupying the upper percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,950 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,345 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,750 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,575 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,440 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,460 for Cooks in Morgantown, WV, 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 locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively balanced by the neutral cost of living, making the financial standing comparable to the national median.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
4.884
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 1.7x 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.
Morgantown, WV, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.68. This indicates that the occupation is more prevalent in Morgantown than the national average, suggesting a robust demand or a higher proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce. Such a concentration implies a competitive market, but also potentially more opportunities for those seeking employment in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↓ 6% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,560↑ 13% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,680↓ 5% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,430↓ 0% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 9% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV is $32,460. This typically ranges from $23,950 for entry-level positions to $40,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 14.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $32,460 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130 for this role.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($30,620) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's cost of living compare to the national average?
Morgantown, WV, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Morgantown is neither more nor less expensive than the national benchmark.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Morgantown?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.68, indicating that this occupation is 68% more common in Morgantown than the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a larger presence of these roles in the local job market.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Morgantown?
There are approximately 4.884 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV. This metric helps contextualize the prevalence of this specific job within the broader local employment landscape.
What is the total local workforce for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Morgantown, WV, is estimated to be 330 individuals. This number represents the active professionals in this specific culinary sector within the city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 4.884 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 Morgantown, WV