Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Pennsylvania
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $36,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130. Regional economic factors, including the demand for institutional food services and the overall labor market dynamics within the state, contribute to this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,700.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania boasts a substantial workforce of 23,520 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, indicating a significant presence in the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.35 suggests that this role is more concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for these culinary specialists within the state's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pennsylvania earns-3.5%below the national average.
$17.7
$708
$3,067
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the salaries for Cooks in institutions and cafeterias across Pennsylvania have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need for skilled culinary professionals in various institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Salary progression for Cooks in institutions and cafeterias typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at 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 reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and dedication.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,600 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,830 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,000 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,700 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,172
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $36,800 in Pennsylvania for this role aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the take-home pay is relatively stable when considering everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
23,520
Total Jobs
3.911
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Pennsylvania has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.35, Pennsylvania shows a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a more competitive or abundant job market for these professionals within the state, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics and salary negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↓ 4% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,330↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,270↑ 9% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,550↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,570↓ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pennsylvania is $36,800. This typically ranges from $28,230 for entry-level positions to $45,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 3.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, Pennsylvania is not significantly more lucrative for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,800 is slightly below the national average of $38,130, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($35,190) and State College, PA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Pennsylvania has 3.911 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, which is a key indicator of local employment density for this role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Pennsylvania?
An LQ of 1.35 means that this occupation is 35% more concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or availability of these jobs within the state.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99, the $36,800 salary in Pennsylvania provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower.
What does the total local workforce number tell us about the job market?
A total local workforce of 23,520 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role within Pennsylvania, reflecting the scale of this occupation in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,520 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 3.911 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 Pennsylvania