SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Rapid City, SD

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Rapid City, SD, earn an average annual salary of $35,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics shape compensation. The specific pay rates in Rapid City are influenced by the local job market's unique supply and demand for these essential culinary roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,290.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.23. With a local workforce of 260 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable, suggesting consistent opportunities for skilled professionals within the area's institutions and cafeterias.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,970

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD earns-5.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.3

Weekly

$692

Monthly

$2,998

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Rapid City, SD

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,520$14.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,978$13
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,360$17
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,963$21.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,290$21.3

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,970

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $35,970 in Rapid City, SD, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Rapid City is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal pay is balanced by the stable cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

3.562

Per 1K Jobs

1.23

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.23, Rapid City, SD has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.

Rapid City, SD, exhibits a job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria that is slightly more concentrated than the national average, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.23. This suggests a marginally higher prevalence of these roles relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the country, potentially indicating a steady demand and a competitive environment for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Rapid City, SD?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD is $35,970. This typically ranges from $29,520 for entry-level positions to $44,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rapid City, SD is 5.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Rapid City, SD a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, but it offers stable compensation.While the average salary of $35,970 is below the national average, the cost of living in Rapid City is also at the national average, meaning your earnings hold comparable purchasing power.

Is Rapid City, SD a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City, SD is $35,970.

How does the Rapid City salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Rapid City ($35,970) is slightly lower than the national average ($38,130).

What is the Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD?

The Cost of Living Index in Rapid City, SD is 100, which is the same as the national average.

How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rapid City?

The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.23.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Rapid City, SD area with a job density of 3.562 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.