Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Carolina
Cooks in South Carolina can expect an average annual salary of $31,830, which is notably lower than the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall cost of labor and the demand specific to institutional and cafeteria settings within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,560 individuals in this role, South Carolina demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.15 suggests that this profession is slightly more prevalent in South Carolina compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand and a robust job market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Carolina earns-16.5%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,653
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 South Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving labor market that seeks to retain and attract skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Carolina typically involves salary increases tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps illustrating clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,370 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,873 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,730 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,788 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,090 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,191
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $31,830 in South Carolina needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 95.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary may offer a comparable or slightly better purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living state, even though the absolute salary is lower.
Job Market Context
7,560
Total Jobs
3.329
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, South Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.15 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in South Carolina at a rate 15% higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more concentrated market for this role, implying that while opportunities exist, the competition might also be proportionally higher due to the specialized demand within the state's institutions and cafeterias.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↓ 17% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↓ 7% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,240↑ 4% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,430↑ 11% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Carolina is $31,830. This typically ranges from $20,370 for entry-level positions to $41,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 16.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, South Carolina is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,830 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also slightly lower, which can partially offset the difference in earnings.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,230) and Sumter, SC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
South Carolina has 3.329 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, which provides a localized measure of employment density for this role within the state's workforce.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Carolina?
There are approximately 7,560 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Carolina, representing a substantial segment of the state's culinary workforce.
How does South Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?
South Carolina's Cost of Living Index is 95.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable in the state.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.15 mean for this job?
A Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in South Carolina is 15% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively strong presence of this occupation in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,560 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 3.329 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 Carolina