Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,840. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure influence compensation in this locale. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas often presents unique wage dynamics compared to larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,080.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 480 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.78 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand or a specialized regional industry that relies heavily on this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-27.0%below the national average.
$13.4
$535
$2,320
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 Northwestern South Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This assumed upward trajectory would reflect an evolving job market and potentially increasing demand for culinary services in the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,300 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,880 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,800 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,080 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,840 in Northwestern South Carolina's 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, making the financial aspect of relocating neutral in terms of cost of living.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
5.171
Per 1K Jobs
1.78
Location Quotient
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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 1.78, Northwestern South Carolina's nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, potentially indicating a specialized demand or a less saturated market for this specific role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 23% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↑ 6% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,240↑ 19% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,430↑ 27% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $27,840. This typically ranges from $18,300 for entry-level positions to $36,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 27.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.The average salary of $27,840 is considerably lower than the national average. However, the Cost of Living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,230) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities for Cooks?
A local workforce of 480 indicates a moderate-sized pool of professionals in this role, suggesting a stable but not necessarily rapidly expanding job market within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.78 mean for cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.78 signifies that cooks are more concentrated in this region than the national average, implying higher demand or a greater prevalence of institutions and cafeterias relative to other job types.
How does the cost of living affect the $27,840 salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $27,840 salary has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical U.S. location, despite being lower than the national average salary.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks in Northwestern SC?
With 5.171 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a solid presence of cook positions relative to the overall employment landscape in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.171 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 Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area