Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $40,450, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This localized premium is often driven by regional demand and the specific needs of institutional and cafeteria settings within this area, which may require specialized culinary skills or a dedicated workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,240.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Minnesota appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 430 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns+6.1%above the national average.
$19.5
$778
$3,371
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 Southwest Minnesota have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth and inflation. This suggests a stable or potentially increasing earning potential for individuals in this profession within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,640 | $15.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,338 | $14.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,150 | $19.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,563 | $24.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,240 | $22.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $40,450 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Cooks in Southwest Minnesota can expect their nominal earnings to directly reflect their purchasing power relative to the rest of the country. This means the salary offers a standard level of affordability without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.663
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.26 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Minnesota signifies a market where these roles are 26% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand for these positions, indicating a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,430↑ 2% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,690↑ 8% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $40,450. This typically ranges from $32,640 for entry-level positions to $46,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 6.1% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers a slight financial advantage.Cooks in this area earn above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide good purchasing power.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($41,430) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 3.663 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Minnesota has a slightly higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, indicating a favorable job market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.26?
An LQ of 1.26 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are 26% more common in Southwest Minnesota than in the U.S. overall, suggesting a higher demand relative to the general workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Southwest Minnesota is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $40,450 salary has standard national purchasing power.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 430 for this role indicates a substantial number of positions, suggesting a stable and accessible job market for qualified cooks in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.663 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 Minnesota nonmetropolitan area