Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Springfield, IL
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Springfield, IL, earn an average annual salary of $36,290. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence where local economic factors and demand influence compensation. The specific needs and operational scale of institutions and cafeterias within Springfield contribute to this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,700.
- Outlook: Springfield, IL boasts a dedicated workforce of approximately 500 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.66, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This elevated quotient suggests a robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Springfield, IL earns-4.8%below the national average.
$17.5
$698
$3,024
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Springfield is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles across the nation have seen consistent, albeit modest, growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for food service providers, and a steady demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Springfield, IL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Springfield, IL, is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary expertise can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,218 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,840 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,363 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,700 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,290 in Springfield, IL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by cooks in Springfield has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
4.838
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Springfield, IL 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.
Springfield, IL exhibits a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.66. This suggests that the job market in Springfield is more specialized in this sector than the national average, potentially indicating a competitive environment for job seekers but also a strong presence of employers seeking these skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,460↑ 0% | 39 mi |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,470↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,410↑ 0% | 53 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,220↓ 6% | 53 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,060↓ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, IL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Springfield, IL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Springfield, IL is $36,290. This typically ranges from $30,320 for entry-level positions to $44,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, IL is 4.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Springfield, IL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks in Springfield is slightly below the national benchmark. However, the high concentration of these roles suggests stable employment opportunities.
Is Springfield, IL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($36,460) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects?
With a local workforce of 500, there is a substantial pool of professionals, but the high concentration (LQ of 1.66) indicates strong employer demand, suggesting good prospects for skilled individuals.
What is a Location Quotient and why is it important?
A Location Quotient (LQ) measures the concentration of a particular occupation in a specific geographic area compared to the national average. An LQ of 1.66 signifies that Springfield has 66% more cooks per worker than the national average, indicating higher local demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Springfield compare nationally?
Springfield's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are comparable to the U.S. average.
What is the average number of Cooks per 1,000 workers in Springfield?
In Springfield, IL, there are approximately 4.838 jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria per 1,000 workers, reflecting the local employment landscape for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Springfield, IL area with a job density of 4.838 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 Springfield, IL