Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Cooks in the Institution and Cafeteria sector in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, earn an average annual salary of $29,190. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the New Orleans-Metairie market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 1,300 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie shows a concentration very close to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-23.4%below the national average.
$14
$561
$2,433
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in New Orleans-Metairie isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments across the food service industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Orleans-Metairie typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, with notable percentile gaps reflecting career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,240 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,893 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,030 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,488 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,800 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,190 in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services balances out the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
2.941
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, New Orleans-Metairie, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in New Orleans-Metairie is virtually identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions closely matches the number of qualified workers, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,220↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,600↑ 1% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,910↑ 2% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,300↓ 6% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,860↓ 5% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $29,190. This typically ranges from $22,240 for entry-level positions to $38,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 23.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA 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 for Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie is significantly lower than the national average, making it less financially rewarding in nominal terms.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($29,220) and Hammond, LA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie?
A local workforce of 1,300 suggests a substantial pool of existing talent, indicating a stable demand for Cooks but potentially moderate competition for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.01 mean for Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie?
A Location Quotient of 1.01 signifies that the presence of Cooks jobs in New Orleans-Metairie is very close to the national average, implying a typical market saturation rather than an exceptionally high or low demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the Cooks' salary in New Orleans-Metairie?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,190 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the typical US city.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie?
Yes, as with most professions, experienced Cooks in New Orleans-Metairie can expect to earn more than entry-level individuals, with salary growth tied to skill development and years in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 2.941 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 Orleans-Metairie, LA