Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area earn an average annual salary of $37,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation for this vital role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,370.
- Outlook: The South Bend-Mishawaka area supports a robust workforce of 590 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.55, this indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling a potentially stable or growing demand for culinary talent in institutional settings within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI earns-2.8%below the national average.
$17.8
$713
$3,088
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Bend-Mishawaka have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,780 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,795 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,270 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,325 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,370 | $21.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a nominal average annual salary of $37,060 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the purchasing power for cooks in South Bend-Mishawaka is directly aligned with the national median. This means that the salary offers a standard level of affordability relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
4.506
Per 1K Jobs
1.55
Location Quotient
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI has 1.6x 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 1.55 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Bend-Mishawaka signifies a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that the local job market has a higher demand for these professionals relative to its overall workforce size, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Niles, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,270↓ 5% | 11 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,590↓ 9% | 16 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,390↓ 7% | 31 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,020↓ 6% | 54 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,420↓ 2% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is $37,060. This typically ranges from $27,780 for entry-level positions to $44,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 2.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $37,060 is slightly below the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average, indicating standard earning potential and affordability.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Niles, MI ($35,270) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the number of cooks in South Bend compare nationally?
With 4.506 jobs per 1,000 workers, the South Bend-Mishawaka area has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 1.55 indicates that South Bend-Mishawaka has 55% more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to its workforce size than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence of this occupation.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in South Bend?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record will generally earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in South Bend?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the average salary of $37,060 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area with a job density of 4.506 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 South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI