Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Springfield, MA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Springfield, MA, earn an average annual salary of $42,600. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand in Springfield contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these roles. The specific economic conditions and employer needs within the Springfield area play a significant role in shaping this elevated pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,970.
- Outlook: Springfield, MA, hosts a local workforce of 440 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, segment of the job market. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, implying a moderate level of demand relative to the broader national employment picture. The presence of 2.219 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent, ongoing need for these culinary specialists within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Springfield, MA earns+11.7%above the national average.
$20.5
$819
$3,550
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Springfield is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational costs for institutions, a rising demand for quality food services, and the need for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled culinary talent.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Springfield, MA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Springfield, MA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The discernible gaps between salary percentiles reflect the career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,880 | $17.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,950 | $15.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,410 | $20.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,250 | $25.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,970 | $24.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,600 in Springfield, MA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Springfield is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
2.219
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Springfield, MA has 0.76x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.76, Springfield, MA, shows a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions. This could translate to a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers, offering a reasonable opportunity to find employment without facing an overwhelming number of similarly qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,100↑ 4% | 18 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $46,700↑ 10% | 25 mi |
| Connecticut nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,510↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Worcester, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,940↑ 8% | 39 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,740↑ 7% | 44 mi |
Comparing salaries near Springfield, MA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Springfield, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Springfield, MA is $42,600. This typically ranges from $35,880 for entry-level positions to $50,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, MA is 11.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Springfield, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Springfield, MA offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,600 in Springfield is higher than the national average of $38,130, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Springfield, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Amherst Town-Northampton, MA ($44,100) and Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT.
How does the total local workforce size impact job prospects?
A total local workforce of 440 indicates a dedicated, though not massive, pool of culinary professionals in Springfield, suggesting stable but not rapidly expanding job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.76 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.76 means Springfield has fewer Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs per capita than the national average, implying moderate demand and potentially less competition.
How does the cost of living in Springfield compare nationally?
Springfield's Cost of Living Index is 100, exactly matching the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard across the US.
Are there many job openings for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Springfield?
With 2.219 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of job openings, indicating ongoing demand for these roles within the Springfield area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Springfield, MA area with a job density of 2.219 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, MA