Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $40,030. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand contribute to a marginally higher compensation for these vital food service professionals. The specific needs of large institutions and the overall economic environment in this region likely play a role in this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,570.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 9,130 individuals. The location quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a steady demand for culinary talent in institutional settings within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+5.0%above the national average.
$19.3
$770
$3,336
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 the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles that are essential to the functioning of various institutions and are influenced by the cost of living and labor market pressures.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Experience significantly influences earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased remuneration as cooks advance their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,080 | $14.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,023 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,070 | $18.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,038 | $24.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,570 | $22.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $40,030 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, Cooks in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area find their nominal earnings aligning directly with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is slightly above the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
9,130
Total Jobs
3.184
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.1 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington suggests a market that is slightly more concentrated with these roles than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain skilled culinary staff for their institutions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,730↑ 9% | 28 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,040↑ 8% | 35 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,490↓ 4% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,650↑ 2% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,340↓ 9% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $40,030. This typically ranges from $31,080 for entry-level positions to $47,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 5.0% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $40,030 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating a stable earning potential.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($43,730) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?
A local workforce of 9,130 suggests a substantial pool of existing talent, which can indicate both a competitive market and a strong presence of institutions requiring culinary staff.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.1 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.1 signifies that there are slightly more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per worker in this area compared to the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand relative to the general workforce.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average local salary of $40,030 is approximately $1,900 higher than the national average of $38,130 for this occupation.
What is the significance of the Cost of Living Index being 100?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the overall cost of goods and services in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is the same as the national average, making the slightly higher salary more impactful for local residents.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,130 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 3.184 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD