Cooks in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and demand within this region directly influence compensation levels for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,660.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 710 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.74 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the general workforce in this region, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-15.4%below the national average.
$15.5
$620
$2,688
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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing operational costs for institutions and a sustained need for qualified kitchen staff, leading to modest but consistent salary adjustments.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains more experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,750 | $11.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,195 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,080 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,325 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,660 | $19.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,260 in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 this salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
5.05
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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 1.74, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is considerably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are relatively more abundant or in higher demand within this specific region compared to other occupations, potentially offering more job opportunities for qualified individuals and indicating a specialized labor market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 9% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,330↑ 19% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,270↑ 25% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,550↑ 13% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,570↑ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $32,260. This typically ranges from $24,750 for entry-level positions to $39,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 15.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly lower than the national average. The high location quotient indicates concentration, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($35,190) and State College, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $32,260, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area?
The area has a Location Quotient of 1.74, meaning these jobs are 74% more concentrated than the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100), so the $32,260 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 710 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwestern Pennsylvania 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 710 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.05 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area