SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Rhode Island

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Rhode Island earn an average annual salary of $44,960, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation is likely influenced by Rhode Island's elevated cost of living and the specific demands of institutional and cafeteria settings within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,850.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 940 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.66, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not an exceptionally high concentration, the presence of nearly a thousand professionals suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary services across various institutions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,960

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island earns+17.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.6

Weekly

$865

Monthly

$3,747

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Rhode Island

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and consistent performance in institutional food service.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$36,600$17.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$33,720$16.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$45,450$21.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$56,200$27
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$57,850$27.8

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,143

Adjusted for COL (112)

The average annual salary of $44,960 in Rhode Island for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 112. This index indicates that living expenses are 12% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is somewhat diminished by the increased cost of goods and services in Rhode Island.

Job Market Context

940

Total Jobs

1.907

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rhode Island has 0.66x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are less concentrated in Rhode Island compared to the national average. This implies that while the profession is present, it may not be a dominant sector within the state's overall employment landscape. The job market is likely stable, with opportunities available, but perhaps not as abundant as in regions with a higher concentration of institutional food services.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island is $44,960. This typically ranges from $36,600 for entry-level positions to $57,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rhode Island is 17.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is Rhode Island a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, with caveats.Cooks in Rhode Island earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, the elevated cost of living means that the increased nominal pay does not translate to proportionally higher purchasing power.

Is Rhode Island a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Rhode Island is 112. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Rhode Island?

Some top paying nearby cities include Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($44,720) and Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT.

What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island?

Based on the average annual salary of $44,960 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Rhode Island is around $21.62.

How does Rhode Island's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?

Rhode Island's Cost of Living Index is 112, meaning it is 12% more expensive to live there than the national average. This impacts the real value of the $44,960 salary.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Rhode Island?

With 940 professionals in the field and 1.907 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady presence of these roles, though the concentration (LQ of 0.66) is below the national average, suggesting a moderate rather than high demand.

Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Rhode Island?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. Senior cooks with specialized skills and leadership experience in institutional settings can expect to earn substantially more than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Rhode Island area with a job density of 1.907 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.