Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Sumter, SC
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Sumter, SC is $26,380. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Sumter, SC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Sumter, SC is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.5x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. With a high job density of 4.354 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Sumter, SC earns-30.8%below the national average.
$12.7
$507
$2,198
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Sumter, SC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Sumter, SC
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Sumter, SC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $17,020, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $35,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,020 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,785 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,420 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,975 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,590 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Sumter, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $26,380 to $26,380.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
4.354
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Sumter, SC has 1.5x 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.
150 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Sumter, SC.
Moderate density — roughly 4.354 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,230↑ 30% | 30 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,840↑ 6% | 32 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,730↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,120↓ 1% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,480↑ 12% | 38 mi |
Comparing salaries near Sumter, SC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Sumter, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Sumter, SC is $26,380. This typically ranges from $17,020 for entry-level positions to $35,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Sumter, SC is 30.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Sumter, SC a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Sumter, SC is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($26,380), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Sumter, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Sumter, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Sumter, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($34,230) and Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Sumter, SC area with a job density of 4.354 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 Sumter, SC