Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Spartanburg, SC
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Spartanburg, SC, earn an average annual salary of $31,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay scale that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Spartanburg job market for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,720.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 450 individuals in this specific role, Spartanburg presents a moderate employment landscape for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, implying a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the area's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Spartanburg, SC earns-17.4%below the national average.
$15.1
$606
$2,624
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Spartanburg is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical across many service-oriented positions as employers adapt to market conditions and strive to retain skilled staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Spartanburg, SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Spartanburg 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 experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,370 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,618 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,990 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,363 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,720 | $18.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,490 in Spartanburg, SC, 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 for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary within Spartanburg is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
2.758
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Spartanburg, SC has 0.95x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Spartanburg's Location Quotient of 0.95 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria indicates a job market that is closely aligned with national employment patterns for this occupation. This suggests a competitive environment where the number of available positions is relatively balanced with the number of qualified individuals, neither indicating a significant surplus nor a severe shortage of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,210↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,600↑ 13% | 56 mi |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 12% | 64 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,270↑ 6% | 65 mi |
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 9% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Spartanburg, SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Spartanburg, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Spartanburg, SC is $31,490. This typically ranges from $22,370 for entry-level positions to $38,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Spartanburg, SC is 17.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Spartanburg, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,490 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Spartanburg, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Spartanburg, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Spartanburg, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($32,210) and Asheville, NC.
How does Spartanburg's cost of living compare to the national average for cooks?
Spartanburg's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary of $31,490 will have the same purchasing power in Spartanburg as the national average salary for cooks has across the country.
What is the job concentration for cooks in Spartanburg?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Spartanburg is 0.95, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many cooks are employed in Spartanburg?
There are approximately 450 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Spartanburg, SC, representing 2.758 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Can I expect my salary to increase with experience as a cook in Spartanburg?
Yes, like most roles, your salary as a cook in Spartanburg is expected to increase with experience. Senior cooks and those with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities typically earn more than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Spartanburg, SC area with a job density of 2.758 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 Spartanburg, SC