Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in New Jersey
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $43,670, significantly outpacing the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by New Jersey's robust economy and the specific demands of its institutional and cafeteria sectors, which may require specialized skills or operate in environments with higher overhead costs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,290 individuals in this role, New Jersey demonstrates a substantial presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The location quotient of 0.59 suggests that while this profession is present, it is not as concentrated as the national average, indicating potential opportunities for growth and a stable demand within the state's job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey earns+14.5%above the national average.
$21
$840
$3,639
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 New Jersey have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many sectors. This growth is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in New Jersey
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized institutional experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this scaling, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,850 | $16.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,753 | $15.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,050 | $21.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,588 | $26.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,190 | $26.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,852
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
The average annual salary of $43,670 in New Jersey presents a mixed picture when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 112.4. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living is also above the national benchmark, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to the national average than the raw numbers suggest.
Job Market Context
7,290
Total Jobs
1.715
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
New Jersey has 0.59x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.59 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are less concentrated in New Jersey compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers relative to the number of available positions when compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,730↑ 0% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $47,500↑ 9% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↓ 8% | 42 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,490↓ 12% | 54 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,040↓ 1% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey is $43,670. This typically ranges from $34,850 for entry-level positions to $54,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 14.5% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with caveats.New Jersey offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($43,730) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey is $43,670.
How does New Jersey's salary for this role compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey earn approximately $5,540 more annually than the national average.
Is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria strong in New Jersey?
With a workforce of 7,290 and a location quotient below the national average, the market shows a steady presence with potential for opportunity.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Jersey?
New Jersey's cost of living is 12.4% higher than the national average, which means the higher salary may not translate to significantly greater disposable income compared to lower-cost areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,290 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 1.715 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 New Jersey