Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,480. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,130, indicating a distinct regional compensation structure. Factors such as the local economic landscape and the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria services likely contribute to this pay disparity.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,820.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 420 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 distribution of this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-35.8%below the national average.
$11.8
$471
$2,040
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northwest Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and increased demand for food services in institutional settings would typically drive modest, incremental increases in compensation for cooks.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,450 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,360 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,980 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,600 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,820 | $15.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,480 in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area 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, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
6.247
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.15 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for cooks in this region, and employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,210↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,930↑ 14% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,250↑ 24% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,320↑ 16% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,510↑ 8% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $24,480. This typically ranges from $18,450 for entry-level positions to $31,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 35.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $24,480 is considerably lower than the national average of $38,130. While the cost of living is at the national average, the nominal salary does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,210) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for cooks?
A local workforce of 420 for this role suggests a moderate-sized segment of the labor market dedicated to institutional and cafeteria cooking. This number, combined with a high Location Quotient, points towards a demand that outpaces the national average for this specific occupation.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.15 mean for cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 2.15 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is more than twice the national average. This suggests a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these roles locally.
How does the cost of living affect the $24,480 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $24,480 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally, despite being lower in nominal terms. This implies that while the salary is below the national average, the expenses for daily living are not disproportionately higher.
What are the typical career paths for cooks in institutional settings?
Career paths often involve progressing from entry-level cook positions to roles such as lead cook, kitchen supervisor, or cafeteria manager. Specialization in areas like dietary needs or large-scale event catering can also lead to advancement and higher salaries.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.247 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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area