Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $37,040. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,670.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 individuals in this role, Southwest Montana demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape for institutional cooks. The high Location Quotient of 2.59 suggests a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, indicating a robust local demand that outpaces national trends for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-2.9%below the national average.
$17.8
$712
$3,087
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Montana have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing operational costs, a need to attract and retain skilled culinary staff, and general economic expansion within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards 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 within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,270 | $14.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,780 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,060 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,300 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,670 | $22.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $37,040 in Southwest Montana aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower salary is offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
7.518
Per 1K Jobs
2.59
Location Quotient
Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.59 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure qualified candidates, or conversely, that the demand is strong enough to support this higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,390↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,240↑ 1% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,970↑ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is $37,040. This typically ranges from $29,270 for entry-level positions to $47,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is 2.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.
Is Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,390) and Helena, MT.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.518 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Montana has a notably higher density of institutional and cafeteria cook positions compared to the national average, reflecting a strong local presence in this sector.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 2.59 means that there are 2.59 times more Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Southwest Montana relative to the national average workforce composition, indicating a specialized and concentrated job market.
How does the cost of living impact the $37,040 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $37,040 salary in Southwest Montana offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the slightly lower nominal wage is balanced by average living expenses.
What does the total local workforce size of 290 imply?
A workforce of 290 indicates a moderate but established presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks in the region, suggesting consistent demand for these services within local institutions and facilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.518 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area