Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,330. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks in this specific locale. The pay structure is likely influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall wage scale within the nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 410 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.18 indicates a concentration of these roles more than double the national average, suggesting a strong local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-36.2%below the national average.
$11.7
$468
$2,028
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth, however, may be tempered by the specific economic conditions of the region compared to national averages.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower wages, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within this role signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as skills and tenure grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,200 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,248 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,100 | $11.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,413 | $14.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,410 | $14.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,330 in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns directly 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 locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
6.344
Per 1K Jobs
2.18
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 2.2x 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 2.18, the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where demand for these roles is relatively strong within the region, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals than in areas with lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,210↑ 4% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,930↑ 15% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,250↑ 24% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,320↑ 16% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,510↑ 9% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $24,330. This typically ranges from $18,200 for entry-level positions to $30,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 36.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $24,330 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,210) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.344 jobs per 1,000 workers, this occupation is more prevalent in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average, reinforcing the high Location Quotient.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 2.18 means there are more than twice as many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area relative to the national average, indicating a higher concentration and potentially stronger local demand.
Does experience impact salary for Cooks in this region?
Yes, like most roles, experience is a key factor. Senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory duties will earn more than entry-level positions, with salary ranges widening based on tenure and expertise.
How does the local salary compare to the cost of living?
The average salary of $24,330 is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning that while the nominal pay is lower, the purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.344 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area