Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
Cooks in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA area earn an average annual salary of $45,410, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the region's specific economic drivers and potentially a higher demand for institutional and cafeteria services that command better pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,770.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 550 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.6, the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura area shows a slightly lower concentration of these positions compared to the national average. While not an exceptionally high concentration, the presence of 1.731 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA earns+19.1%above the national average.
$21.8
$873
$3,784
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive wage increases, suggesting that cooks in this region have likely seen their earning potential grow, aligning with broader labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation reflect these differences, offering a clear path for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,720 | $17.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,058 | $16.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,360 | $20.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,763 | $27.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,770 | $28.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,410 in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average for the role, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
1.731
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA has 0.60x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are less concentrated in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions. Employers might need to offer competitive wages to attract skilled candidates in this less concentrated field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $46,100↑ 2% | 55 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,660↓ 6% | 80 mi |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $47,900↑ 5% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is $45,410. This typically ranges from $35,720 for entry-level positions to $58,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is 19.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Moderately. The average salary is higher than the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.Cooks in this region earn approximately $7,280 more annually than the national average. However, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the increased salary does not translate to significantly greater purchasing power.
Is Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($46,100) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is $45,410.
How does the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA ($45,410) is higher than the national average salary ($38,130) for this role.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
The Cost of Living Index in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA is 100, which is the same as the national average.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA?
With 1.731 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.6, the demand is present but not exceptionally concentrated compared to the national average, indicating a stable job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA area with a job density of 1.731 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- All Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Production Occupations Salary in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
- Browse All Jobs in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA