Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in State College, PA
Cooks in State College, PA, earn an average annual salary of $38,330, slightly above the national average of $38,130. This marginal difference suggests that while the role is compensated competitively, local market dynamics and the specific needs of institutional and cafeteria settings likely play a significant role in setting this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 individuals in this role, State College, PA, demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.42. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is 42% higher than the national average, pointing to a robust and potentially growing job market within the area for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in State College, PA earns+0.5%above the national average.
$18.4
$737
$3,194
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in State College, PA, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving culinary standards likely contribute to modest but consistent salary growth in this sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in State College, PA, typically scales 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 reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,748 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,450 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,913 | $23 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,820 | $23 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,330 in State College, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in State College is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings effectively cover living expenses.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
4.116
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.42 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in State College, PA, signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a relatively strong demand for these professionals within the local economy, suggesting that the job market is more active and potentially less saturated than in other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,120↓ 11% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,080↓ 14% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,350↓ 13% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,260↓ 16% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,080↓ 14% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in State College, PA is $38,330. This typically ranges from $28,580 for entry-level positions to $47,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 0.5% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the national average.The average salary of $38,330 is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($34,120) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in State College compare nationally?
State College, PA has 4.116 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, indicating a higher concentration than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.42?
An LQ of 1.42 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in State College is 42% higher than the national average, suggesting greater local demand.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in State College?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory roles typically earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in State College?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $38,330 salary in State College offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 4.116 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 State College, PA