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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Cooks in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,040. This figure significantly trails the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for institutional and cafeteria roles outside major urban centers. The specific pay structure in this locale is influenced by the local job market dynamics and the overall economic output of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,040 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,730.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Oklahoma appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 540 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.96 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a strong local demand or a specialized regional industry that relies heavily on this workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,040

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earns-29.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$520

Monthly

$2,253

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary and management skills command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased responsibility, specialized skills, and years of dedicated service in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,740$10
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,280$9.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,300$12.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,800$16.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,730$17.2

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,040

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,040

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $27,040 in Southwest Oklahoma 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 income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by more affordable living expenses.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

8.611

Per 1K Jobs

2.96

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x 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 2.96, the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions than the national average. This indicates a strong, specialized demand for these roles within the region, making the job market relatively abundant for qualified individuals compared to the rest of the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Comparing salaries near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is $27,040. This typically ranges from $20,740 for entry-level positions to $35,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 29.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,040 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained.

Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($30,150) and Tulsa, OK.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks?

A local workforce of 540 indicates a substantial pool of individuals in this role, suggesting a stable and established presence of institutional and cafeteria jobs within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.96 mean for cooks in this area?

A Location Quotient of 2.96 signifies that cooks are nearly three times more concentrated in Southwest Oklahoma than the national average, pointing to high local demand or a specialized industry.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $27,040 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,040 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma?

The high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand relative to the national average, indicating potentially good opportunities for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within this nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.611 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.