Cooks in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $35,790. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the institutional and cafeteria sectors. While the nominal pay is a key consideration, understanding the broader economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,920.
- Outlook: The Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 3,580 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, this region shows a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled culinary staff in institutional settings.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-6.1%below the national average.
$17.2
$688
$2,983
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Nashville is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained need for qualified food service personnel.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies the value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,330 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,843 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,080 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,738 | $21.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,920 | $21.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,790 in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
3,580
Total Jobs
3.262
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.12, the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a market where these roles are somewhat more prevalent, potentially indicating a competitive but accessible job landscape for individuals seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,040↓ 13% | 29 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↓ 14% | 29 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,840↓ 11% | 29 mi |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,060↓ 10% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 13% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $35,790. This typically ranges from $25,330 for entry-level positions to $44,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 6.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,790 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($31,040) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Nashville?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area is $35,790.
How does Nashville's cost of living compare to the national average for cooks?
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of living is neither higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
Is there high demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Nashville?
The Location Quotient of 1.12 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable to moderately high demand.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria work in the Nashville area?
There are approximately 3,580 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals employed in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,580 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 3.262 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN