SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in St. Cloud, MN

Cooks in St. Cloud, MN, earn an average annual salary of $41,430, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This localized pay differential is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria services within the St. Cloud area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,430 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,860.
  • Outlook: The St. Cloud market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles appears stable, with a total local workforce of 270 individuals. While the Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, the presence of 2.638 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these culinary professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,430

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in St. Cloud, MN earns+8.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.9

Weekly

$797

Monthly

$3,453

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in St. Cloud, MN

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in St. Cloud, MN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,970$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,073$14.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$39,310$18.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$51,788$24.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,860$23.5

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,430

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,430

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to St. Cloud, MN, the nominal average salary of $41,430 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average cook's salary in St. Cloud is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

2.638

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Cloud, MN has 0.91x 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 0.91, the St. Cloud market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly competitive, suggesting a steady environment for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in St. Cloud, MN?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in St. Cloud, MN is $41,430. This typically ranges from $33,970 for entry-level positions to $48,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Cloud, MN is 8.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.

Is St. Cloud, MN a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, St. Cloud, MN offers competitive compensation for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average annual salary of $41,430 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially sound location.

Is St. Cloud, MN a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Cloud, MN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area ($40,700) and Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.

How does the St. Cloud cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in St. Cloud, MN is $41,430, which is $3,300 higher than the national average of $38,130.

What is the Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN for cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

How concentrated is the job market for cooks in St. Cloud?

The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating a presence that is slightly below the national average but still substantial.

What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in St. Cloud?

There are approximately 270 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed within the St. Cloud, MN area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the St. Cloud, MN area with a job density of 2.638 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.