Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,650, significantly below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is largely influenced by regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas, which often feature lower wage scales compared to larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,670.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,490 individuals in this role, the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a substantial concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.99. This suggests a robust demand for these services within the region, exceeding national averages and pointing towards a stable job market for qualified professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-24.9%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,388
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in South Central Kentucky is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the nation. This suggests a generally positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for compensation.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,460 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,488 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,270 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,813 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,670 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $28,650 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the financial viability of relocating.
Job Market Context
1,490
Total Jobs
8.696
Per 1K Jobs
2.99
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.99 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are nearly three times more concentrated in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where demand is significantly higher relative to the national landscape, offering ample opportunities for those in the profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,800↑ 28% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 29% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,930↑ 25% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $28,650. This typically ranges from $24,460 for entry-level positions to $34,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 24.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a lucrative place based on average salary.The average salary of $28,650 is substantially lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,800) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks in South Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the lower average salary of $28,650 means that while expenses are not higher, the take-home pay offers average purchasing power.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.99 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.99 signifies that this region has a significantly higher concentration of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This indicates strong local demand and potentially more job openings relative to the workforce size.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in South Central Kentucky?
There are approximately 8.7 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, highlighting the prevalence of this occupation within the local labor market.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Kentucky?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area comprises 1,490 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,490 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.696 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area