Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,730. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,130, indicating a notable pay disparity. Local economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized institutional roles in this specific nonmetropolitan region likely contribute to this compensation difference.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,930.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 490 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.15 suggests a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, implying a strong local demand relative to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-32.5%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,144
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in this region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across many industries.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $25,730 average, while senior or lead cook roles can command significantly higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the potential for substantial earnings growth as one advances through the ranks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,680 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,298 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,440 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,163 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,930 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,730 in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area 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 salary locally is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by lower expenses.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
6.24
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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 2.15, the market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is notably concentrated compared to the national average. This indicates a higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the general workforce, suggesting that employers may face more competition for talent or that there is a sustained demand for these services in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 33% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↑ 15% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,240↑ 29% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,430↑ 38% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $25,730. This typically ranges from $17,680 for entry-level positions to $34,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 32.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,730 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,230) and Sumter, SC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.24 jobs per 1,000 workers, this region has a higher concentration of institutional and cafeteria cook positions than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 2.15 means there are more than twice as many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this region relative to the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially in-demand job market.
Does the Cost of Living affect the perceived salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary of $25,730 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
There are approximately 490 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.24 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 Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area