SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,060, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within institutional and cafeteria settings, and the overall cost of labor in less urbanized areas. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for assessing the true value of this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,390.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,180 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 2.9, the demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is significantly higher than the national average. This indicates a robust job market with a concentration of these positions, suggesting good opportunities for employment and potential for job growth within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,060

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-10.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.4

Weekly

$655

Monthly

$2,838

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within this occupation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,545$12.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$32,040$15.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,575$20.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$41,390$19.9

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,060

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,060 in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,180

Total Jobs

8.434

Per 1K Jobs

2.9

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x 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 2.9 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings, making it a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for those seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Comparing salaries near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $34,060. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $41,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 10.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $34,060 is below the national average of $38,130. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.9) indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.

Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($38,190) and Decatur, IL.

How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $34,060, which is $4,070 less than the national average of $38,130.

What is the concentration of Cooks jobs in this area?

The Location Quotient (LQ) is 2.9, meaning there are 2.9 times more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area compared to the national average, indicating a high concentration.

How does the cost of living affect the Cook's salary in South Illinois?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $34,060 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.

What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?

There are approximately 1,180 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the South Illinois 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 1,180 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.434 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.