Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area earn an average annual salary of $43,730. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local demand and potentially higher operational costs within the region contribute to this elevated compensation. The economic landscape of Trenton-Princeton appears to favor these culinary roles, offering a more lucrative environment compared to the broader national market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,940.
- Outlook: The Trenton-Princeton area supports a local workforce of 490 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of 2.03 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent opportunities for skilled individuals within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Trenton-Princeton, NJ earns+14.7%above the national average.
$21
$841
$3,644
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Trenton-Princeton have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a steady demand for food services likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,680 | $17.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,798 | $15.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,500 | $20.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,663 | $26.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,940 | $26.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,730 in Trenton-Princeton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Trenton-Princeton for this role offers a salary that effectively matches the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
2.03
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Trenton-Princeton, NJ has 0.70x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.7 indicates that the Trenton-Princeton area has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals relative to the number of available workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,030↓ 8% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,490↓ 12% | 45 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $47,500↑ 9% | 52 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,040↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $41,360↓ 5% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $43,730. This typically ranges from $35,680 for entry-level positions to $54,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 14.7% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $43,730 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($40,030) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 490 suggests a moderate-sized pool of professionals, indicating a stable job market with consistent demand for skilled cooks.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.7 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies a lower concentration of this profession compared to the national average, potentially meaning less competition and more available roles for qualified candidates.
How does the salary compare to the cost of living in Trenton-Princeton?
The average salary of $43,730 is exactly in line with the national average cost of living (100), suggesting that your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.
Are there many job openings for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
With 2.03 jobs per 1,000 workers, there are a steady number of opportunities available, reflecting consistent demand within the local institutions and cafeterias.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area with a job density of 2.03 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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ