Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,170, a figure that closely mirrors the national average of $38,130. This parity suggests that while the specific regional demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks is notable, broader economic factors and the cost of living in this area are aligning pay scales closely with national benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,160.
- Outlook: The South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,020 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a location quotient of 1.67, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns+0.1%above the national average.
$18.4
$734
$3,181
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 the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects increased operational costs for institutions and a sustained demand for qualified kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory duties can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,530 | $14.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,628 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,090 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,713 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,160 | $22.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,170 in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
4.849
Per 1K Jobs
1.67
Location Quotient
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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 1.67 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area signifies a market that is 67% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may have a good pool of candidates, but also indicates a strong regional reliance on these specific culinary roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,240↑ 0% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,990↑ 5% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,620↓ 1% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,620↑ 1% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,420↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $38,170. This typically ranges from $30,530 for entry-level positions to $46,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 0.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $38,170 is nearly identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. While the concentration of jobs is higher, this does not translate to higher pay in this specific instance.
Is South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($38,240) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
What is the average hourly wage for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in South Central Wisconsin?
Based on the average annual salary of $38,170 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage is $18.35.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 4.849 jobs per 1,000 workers, the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area has a higher density of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of institutional and cafeteria cooking positions.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in this region?
Yes, the location quotient of 1.67 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs, implying a robust and active job market for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within South Central Wisconsin.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living index of 100 means the salary's purchasing power is exactly average, so it does not inflate or deflate the perceived value of the $38,170 salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.849 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 Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area