Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $26,120. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks in this specific region compared to broader national trends. Localized economic factors and the cost of labor significantly influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area appears to have a moderate concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.34. With a total local workforce of 360 individuals in this role, the presence of nearly 7 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the region's specific institutional and cafeteria settings.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-31.5%below the national average.
$12.6
$502
$2,177
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in this nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. Inflationary pressures and the increasing cost of living typically necessitate upward adjustments in wages to maintain workforce stability and attract new talent.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start 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 signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity as one gains experience and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,510 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,590 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,860 | $12 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,650 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,770 | $16.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $26,120 in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary 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 to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
6.799
Per 1K Jobs
2.34
Location Quotient
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.34 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are significantly more concentrated in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand or a more specialized local industry catering to these roles, making the job market potentially competitive for employers seeking specialized talent but offering a good number of opportunities for individuals in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 31% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,380↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↑ 13% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,240↑ 27% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,430↑ 36% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $26,120. This typically ranges from $18,510 for entry-level positions to $34,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 31.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $26,120 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,230) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 360 individuals suggests a moderately sized pool of existing professionals. While not a massive market, it indicates a consistent presence of these roles within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.34 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, especially 2.34, signifies that this area has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to the national average, implying a stronger local demand for these services.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $26,120 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,120 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the nominal pay is lower, the expenses for daily living are also comparable to the national average.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for cooks in this region?
Yes, typically, more experienced cooks command higher salaries than entry-level positions. The salary range can widen considerably from novice to seasoned professionals, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.799 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 South Carolina nonmetropolitan area