Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Port St. Lucie, FL, earn an average annual salary of $36,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. While the nominal salary may appear lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,370.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Port St. Lucie, FL, shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 310 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.63 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Port St. Lucie compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not overly saturated demand for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Port St. Lucie, FL earns-4.6%below the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,030
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Port St. Lucie is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain skilled culinary staff in a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Port St. Lucie, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills command higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the career advancement opportunities and the earning potential as one gains expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,630 | $14.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,270 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,810 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,450 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,370 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,360 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Port St. Lucie, FL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Port St. Lucie is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.821
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Port St. Lucie, FL has 0.63x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.63 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Port St. Lucie, FL, suggests that this profession is less prevalent locally than the national average. This indicates that while there are opportunities, the market is not as saturated, potentially offering a more stable employment landscape for skilled individuals compared to areas with higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,870↑ 4% | 35 mi |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,350↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Sebring, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,000↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,730↓ 7% | 86 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,960↑ 4% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Port St. Lucie, FL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Port St. Lucie, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Port St. Lucie, FL is $36,360. This typically ranges from $29,630 for entry-level positions to $45,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Port St. Lucie, FL is 4.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Port St. Lucie, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,360 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par with the national average, it doesn't offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Port St. Lucie, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Port St. Lucie, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Port St. Lucie, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL ($37,870) and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL.
How does the Port St. Lucie cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Port St. Lucie, FL, is $36,360, which is approximately $1,770 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Port St. Lucie?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.63, meaning there are fewer of these jobs relative to the workforce size in Port St. Lucie compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Port St. Lucie affect the salary?
Port St. Lucie has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $36,360 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.63 imply for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.63, suggests that the demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria might be less intense than in more concentrated areas, potentially leading to a more stable job market but possibly fewer openings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Port St. Lucie, FL area with a job density of 1.821 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 Port St. Lucie, FL