SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Dakota

Cooks in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $35,790, which is slightly below the national average of $38,130. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within the state and the overall economic landscape of South Dakota.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,660.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota appears robust, with a total local workforce of 2,160 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.64 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in South Dakota compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable job market for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,790

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota earns-6.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.2

Weekly

$688

Monthly

$2,983

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels signifies clear career progression pathways within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,920$13.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,843$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,360$17
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,738$21.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,660$21

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,987

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $35,790 in South Dakota presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are generally more affordable in South Dakota, potentially allowing the nominal salary to stretch further than it might in higher-cost regions.

Job Market Context

2,160

Total Jobs

4.776

Per 1K Jobs

1.64

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Dakota 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.64, South Dakota exhibits a notably higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this state is more specialized or has a greater demand for these roles compared to other areas, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota is $35,790. This typically ranges from $28,920 for entry-level positions to $43,660 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 6.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in South Dakota makes the $35,790 salary more competitive in real terms. The high concentration of these roles also indicates strong local demand.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the South Dakota salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota is $35,790, which is approximately $2,340 less than the national average of $38,130.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.64 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.64 signifies that there are about 64% more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in South Dakota relative to the national average, indicating a higher concentration and potentially more opportunities.

How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in South Dakota?

South Dakota's Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (compared to the national 100) means that your $35,790 salary will likely afford you a higher standard of living than the same salary in a more expensive state.

What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in South Dakota?

There are approximately 2,160 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Dakota.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,160 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 4.776 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota