Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Owensboro, KY
In Owensboro, KY, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $30,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different demand dynamic influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape and cost of labor within Owensboro contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,040.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Owensboro, KY, shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.09, indicating a demand nearly twice the national average. Despite a total local workforce of 290 in this role, the high concentration suggests that employers in Owensboro actively seek these professionals, pointing to a robust demand relative to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Owensboro, KY earns-21.0%below the national average.
$14.5
$579
$2,509
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Owensboro's institutional cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Owensboro, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower percentiles of the $30,110 average, while senior or specialized roles can command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and skill. The gap between lower and higher percentiles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,230 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,583 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,050 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,638 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,040 | $16.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $30,110 in Owensboro, KY, aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national average, as everyday expenses are not inflated compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
6.067
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Owensboro, KY 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 2.09, Owensboro, KY, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive or abundant job market for these roles locally, implying that employers may have a larger pool of candidates or a greater need for these services relative to other occupations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,280↑ 11% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 3% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 3% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 23% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 3% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Owensboro, KY is $30,110. This typically ranges from $26,230 for entry-level positions to $34,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 21.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $30,110 salary is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative compensation locally.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($33,280) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Owensboro salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Owensboro, KY is $30,110, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Owensboro?
Owensboro has a high concentration of these jobs, with a Location Quotient of 2.09, meaning the presence of these jobs is more than double the national average.
How does the cost of living in Owensboro affect the salary?
The cost of living in Owensboro is exactly at the national average (100), so the $30,110 salary has average purchasing power nationally.
What does the job market look like for institutional cooks in Owensboro?
The market shows strong local demand relative to the national average, indicated by a high Location Quotient, suggesting good job availability for this role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 6.067 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 Owensboro, KY