Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Pittsburgh, PA, earn an average annual salary of $36,560. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Pittsburgh market. While the nominal salary is a key indicator, understanding the broader economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,650.
- Outlook: The Pittsburgh market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles appears robust, with a total local workforce of 4,770 individuals. This substantial presence, coupled with a Location Quotient of 1.48, suggests a higher concentration of these roles in Pittsburgh compared to the national average, implying consistent demand and a stable job market for skilled culinary professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pittsburgh, PA earns-4.1%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,047
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Pittsburgh is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation within most professional fields.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,240 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,800 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,700 | $22 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,650 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,560 in Pittsburgh aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Pittsburgh is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary is balanced by the stable cost of living, making it a neutral factor for relocation considerations.
Job Market Context
4,770
Total Jobs
4.3
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Pittsburgh, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.48, Pittsburgh demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Pittsburgh is more specialized in this area, suggesting a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, while also offering ample opportunities for those seeking employment in this specific culinary niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,680↓ 16% | 30 mi |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,620↓ 16% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,460↓ 11% | 55 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,000↓ 7% | 57 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,430↓ 11% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Pittsburgh, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pittsburgh, PA is $36,560. This typically ranges from $29,240 for entry-level positions to $44,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 4.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly below the national average, indicating a neutral to slightly less lucrative market compared to national benchmarks.
Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pittsburgh, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($30,680) and Wheeling, WV-OH.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 4.3 jobs per 1,000 workers, Pittsburgh has a slightly higher concentration of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria roles than the national average, indicating a more prevalent demand within the local workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Pittsburgh?
An LQ of 1.48 signifies that Pittsburgh has 48% more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per capita than the national average, highlighting a strong local specialization in this profession.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Pittsburgh?
Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can expect to earn considerably more than the average $36,560.
Is the cost of living in Pittsburgh a factor in the salary for this role?
The cost of living in Pittsburgh is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $36,560 salary has average purchasing power, making it neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage compared to national standards.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,770 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 4.3 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 Pittsburgh, PA