Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,170. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for institutional and cafeteria roles. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in dictating compensation levels for these vital food service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,320.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 250 individuals in this specific role, the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area presents a stable, albeit modest, job market for Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the region's needs for institutional and cafeteria services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-34.0%below the national average.
$12.1
$484
$2,098
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and inflation typically necessitate adjustments in compensation to maintain workforce stability and attract talent, suggesting that cooks in this region have likely seen incremental increases in their earnings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will generally 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 signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and dedication within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,820 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,878 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,340 | $11.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,463 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,320 | $15.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,170 in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index, which stands at 100, precisely matching the national average. 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, mitigating some of the impact of the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
3.112
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.07 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the overall number of positions might not be overwhelmingly large, the demand for these roles is proportionally higher within the local economy, making the market moderately competitive for employers seeking staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,670↑ 18% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,860↑ 11% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,060↑ 11% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,350↓ 3% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,600↑ 18% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $25,170. This typically ranges from $17,820 for entry-level positions to $32,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 34.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place based on average earnings.The average salary of $25,170 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($29,670) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a stable but not expansive job market, indicating consistent opportunities but potentially limited rapid growth for cooks in this area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.07 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies a slightly higher concentration of cook positions relative to the national average, implying steady local demand for these services.
How does the Cost of Living impact the $25,170 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $25,170 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are comparable despite the lower nominal wage.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for cooks in this region?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior cooks earning more than entry-level positions, reflecting a standard career progression in the culinary field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.112 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area