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

Cooks in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,780, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within institutional and cafeteria settings prevalent in nonmetropolitan areas. The lower average reflects the unique economic landscape of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,780 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,310.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,120 individuals in this role, the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions. The Location Quotient of 2.35 indicates a demand for these professionals that is more than double the national average, suggesting a robust and relatively specialized job market within this sector for the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,780

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-19.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.8

Weekly

$592

Monthly

$2,565

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

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,190$12.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,085$11.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,530$13.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,475$18.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,310$17.9

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,780

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,780

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $30,780 in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.

Job Market Context

1,120

Total Jobs

6.83

Per 1K Jobs

2.35

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 2.4x 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 2.35 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for cooks in this region is more specialized and potentially less saturated than in other areas, offering a competitive advantage for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Comparing salaries near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $30,780. This typically ranges from $26,190 for entry-level positions to $37,310 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 19.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.

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

No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly below the national average. The high location quotient does indicate strong regional demand, however.

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

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

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

Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($31,600) and Columbia, MO.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $30,780, which is $7,350 less than the national average of $38,130.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?

An LQ of 2.35 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 2.35 times higher than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization.

How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.

What is the total workforce size for this role locally?

There are approximately 1,120 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Southeast Missouri 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 1,120 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.83 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.