Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,620. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of labor in nonmetropolitan areas. The specific demands and economic landscape of this region directly influence compensation levels for these vital food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,100.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role, the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.11. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is more than double the national average, pointing towards a robust job market with ample opportunities for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-19.7%below the national average.
$14.7
$589
$2,552
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 the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase is typical for roles in established service sectors.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the tangible rewards of gaining experience and taking on greater responsibilities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,400 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,965 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,080 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,275 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,100 | $18.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,620 in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national median.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
6.126
Per 1K Jobs
2.11
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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 2.11 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This high quotient suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, and employers may face less competition for talent compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 17% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↓ 7% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 16% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↓ 14% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $30,620. This typically ranges from $24,400 for entry-level positions to $38,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 19.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($35,790) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 690 suggests a stable presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and a good number of potential employers within the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.11 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.11 signifies that cooks are more than twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average, implying a higher availability of jobs and potentially more competition for experienced individuals.
How does the cost of living impact the $30,620 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,620 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost of living area, making it relatively stable in terms of affordability.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in this region?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand and a good number of available positions for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.126 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 Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area