Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Paducah, KY-IL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Paducah, KY-IL earn an average annual salary of $33,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operating costs in the region influence compensation for these roles. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,590.
- Outlook: The Paducah, KY-IL area supports a local workforce of 340 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 6.683, the demand for these culinary roles appears stable within the local economy, indicating a consistent need for skilled individuals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Paducah, KY-IL earns-12.8%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,771
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Paducah, KY-IL have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market demands. This suggests a generally positive, albeit potentially slow, upward trajectory for compensation in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Paducah, KY-IL
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 extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,720 | $11.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,938 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,450 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,563 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,590 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,250 in Paducah, KY-IL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Paducah is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
6.683
Per 1K Jobs
2.3
Location Quotient
Paducah, KY-IL has 2.3x 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 2.3, the Paducah, KY-IL market demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles that is more than double the national average. This indicates a relatively robust and specialized job market for these positions, suggesting that job seekers may find more opportunities and employers may face a more competitive landscape for talent compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,990↓ 4% | 53 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 7% | 80 mi |
| Evansville, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,280↑ 0% | 88 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,110↓ 9% | 96 mi |
| Jackson, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,740↓ 2% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near Paducah, KY-IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Paducah, KY-IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Paducah, KY-IL is $33,250. This typically ranges from $23,720 for entry-level positions to $45,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Paducah, KY-IL is 12.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but the cost of living is average.While the salary for Cooks in Paducah, KY-IL is below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is comparable.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Paducah, KY-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($31,990) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the Paducah salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Paducah, KY-IL is $33,250, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Paducah, KY-IL?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Paducah, KY-IL?
The Location Quotient of 2.3 suggests a higher-than-average concentration of these jobs locally, indicating a potentially strong demand relative to the national landscape.
How many Cooks work in Paducah, KY-IL?
There are approximately 340 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals employed in the Paducah, KY-IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Paducah, KY-IL area with a job density of 6.683 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 Paducah, KY-IL