Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,730, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria services within this particular geographic area and the overall wage structure prevalent in nonmetropolitan settings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,320.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 870 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates a concentration of these jobs significantly above the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized need for these culinary professionals within the region compared to other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-14.2%below the national average.
$15.7
$629
$2,728
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased demand for food services likely contributed to modest, incremental increases in compensation for cooks, though regional economic conditions would ultimately dictate the magnitude of these gains.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely 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 percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from novice to expert in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,650 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,548 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,450 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,913 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,320 | $18.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,730 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 income is relatively stable when compared to the rest of the country, suggesting that the lower salary is somewhat offset by the cost of living.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
4.44
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 1.5x 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 1.53, Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area exhibits a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively more abundant or specialized for this profession, potentially offering more opportunities or a greater need for these skilled workers compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,750↑ 9% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,220↑ 8% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,660↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,430↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 8% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $32,730. This typically ranges from $27,650 for entry-level positions to $38,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 14.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not when compared to national averages.The average salary of $32,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($35,750) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 870 indicates a substantial presence of this role, suggesting a consistent demand for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.53 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies a higher concentration of jobs in this area than the national average, indicating a potentially stronger or more specialized market for cooks.
How does the cost of living affect the $32,730 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $32,730 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in this area?
The data suggests a healthy market, with 4.44 jobs per 1,000 workers and a higher-than-average concentration (LQ 1.53), implying good availability of roles for qualified cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.44 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area