Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,040. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks in this specific region. The compensation is influenced by the localized job market and the cost of labor within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Nebraska appears robust, indicated by a substantial Local Workforce of 310 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.76 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a higher concentration of these roles within the region compared to the rest of the country. This concentration points to a stable, and possibly growing, demand for these culinary professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-10.7%below the national average.
$16.4
$655
$2,837
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in nonmetropolitan areas like Northwest Nebraska have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a persistent need for skilled kitchen staff, even in less urbanized environments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise, efficiency, and leadership within the kitchen environment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,380 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,530 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,270 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,550 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,770 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,040 in Northwest Nebraska 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 equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
8.02
Per 1K Jobs
2.76
Location Quotient
Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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 2.76, Northwest Nebraska exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially less competitive market for these roles, suggesting that skilled individuals may find a more abundant job landscape compared to more saturated national markets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,220↑ 3% | 15 mi |
| Lincoln, NE Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,640↑ 11% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $34,040. This typically ranges from $27,380 for entry-level positions to $39,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 10.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national average. The high concentration of these roles suggests demand, but not necessarily high compensation.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($35,220) and Lincoln, NE.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 310 indicates a moderate-sized pool of culinary professionals, suggesting a stable job market with consistent opportunities for those seeking employment as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.76 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.76 signifies that cooks are employed in Northwest Nebraska at a rate 2.76 times higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization and demand for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,040 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many job openings for cooks in this region?
The high Location Quotient suggests a relative abundance of jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Nebraska compared to the national average, implying a favorable job market for qualified individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.02 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 Nebraska nonmetropolitan area