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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,310. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially smaller market for institutional and cafeteria roles. The specific demand and compensation structures within this locale significantly influence this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,450.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates a higher prevalence of these positions compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,310

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-33.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.2

Weekly

$487

Monthly

$2,109

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning capacity.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,990$8.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,983$9.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$24,500$11.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,638$15.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,450$16.1

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,310

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $25,310 in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in the overall financial picture.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

4.653

Per 1K Jobs

1.6

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area 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 1.6, the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area exhibits a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions that is 60% higher than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust demand for these professionals within the region, indicating a market where these roles are more common and potentially more stable than in other areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Comparing salaries near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $25,310. This typically ranges from $17,990 for entry-level positions to $33,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 33.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,310 is significantly below the national average of $38,130, indicating lower earning potential. However, the cost of living is average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.

Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,210) and Birmingham, AL.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?

A local workforce of 380 for this role suggests a moderate number of available positions. While not a massive market, the concentration (LQ of 1.6) indicates these jobs are more prevalent here than nationally.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.6 mean for Cooks in this area?

A Location Quotient of 1.6 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 60% higher than the national average, implying a stronger local demand relative to the national landscape.

How does the Cost of Living impact the $25,310 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $25,310 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses compared to higher-cost regions.

What is the national average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?

The national average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is $38,130, which is considerably higher than the average salary in the Southeast Alabama 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 380 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.653 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.