Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Tennessee
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $33,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within Tennessee influence compensation levels for this role. The local job market dynamics play a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,140.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,890 individuals in this sector, Tennessee demonstrates a significant presence for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles. The location quotient of 1.25 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Tennessee compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tennessee earns-12.8%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,772
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Tennessee have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving wage standards across the industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,330 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,945 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,910 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,575 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,140 | $20.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,792
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $33,260 in Tennessee, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (meaning it's 9.6% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary offers a reasonable purchasing power locally. While the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can help offset this difference, making the effective financial standing comparable or even advantageous in certain aspects.
Job Market Context
11,890
Total Jobs
3.631
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Tennessee has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
Tennessee's location quotient of 1.25 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria signifies a job market that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is relatively higher in Tennessee, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 8% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↓ 14% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 23% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↓ 21% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tennessee is $33,260. This typically ranges from $25,330 for entry-level positions to $42,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 12.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While Tennessee has a strong concentration of these jobs, the average salary of $33,260 is below the national average of $38,130. However, the lower cost of living can make the effective income more competitive.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($35,790) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average. This means that the $33,260 salary can provide a higher standard of living locally than a similar salary might in a more expensive state.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.25 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates that there are more jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tennessee relative to its population compared to the national average. This suggests a favorable job market with potentially more openings.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there are approximately 3.631 jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria per 1,000 workers, reflecting the sector's presence within the state's overall employment landscape.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in Tennessee?
The state of Tennessee employs a total of 11,890 individuals in the role of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, highlighting the significant size of this workforce segment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,890 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 3.631 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 Tennessee