Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Reading, PA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading, PA, earn an average annual salary of $36,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within the Reading area. The specific needs and economic landscape of Reading contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 830 individuals in this role, Reading demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.67. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is 67% higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for this occupation within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading, PA earns-4.7%below the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,028
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 Reading have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving industry standards, leading to incremental increases in average compensation.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading, PA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start 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 earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,190 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,255 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,425 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,910 | $22.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,340 in Reading, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Reading is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
4.848
Per 1K Jobs
1.67
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.67 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading signifies a significant concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This indicates a higher demand or a more established presence of these roles within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,570↑ 1% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,110↑ 2% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,490↑ 6% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↑ 10% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,640↑ 1% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading, PA is $36,340. This typically ranges from $29,190 for entry-level positions to $45,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 4.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is slightly below the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading, PA, at $36,340, is marginally lower than the national average of $38,130.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($36,570) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the number of cooks in Reading compare to the national average?
Reading has 4.848 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, indicating a localized demand that is higher than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Reading?
A Location Quotient of 1.67 means that Reading has a 67% higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
Does the cost of living in Reading affect the cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $36,340 salary has average purchasing power locally.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in Reading, PA?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.67 and a local workforce of 830 suggest a healthy and concentrated job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Reading.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 4.848 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 Reading, PA