Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Tucson, AZ
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Tucson, AZ, earn an average annual salary of $39,200. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,130, indicating a competitive local market. Factors such as the specific demand within Tucson's healthcare, educational, and corporate sectors likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,390.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,070 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market in Tucson shows a stable demand for these professionals. While the concentration is just below the national average, the absolute number of jobs suggests a consistent need for culinary staff within the city's various institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson, AZ earns+2.8%above the national average.
$18.9
$754
$3,267
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Tucson isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing food costs, evolving culinary standards, and a persistent demand for skilled kitchen staff across diverse employment settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson, AZ, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies significant career progression opportunities within this culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,280 | $15.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,400 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,610 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,000 | $23.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,390 | $22.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $39,200 in Tucson aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Tucson is equivalent to the national average, making it neither significantly more nor less affordable than other areas with a similar cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,070
Total Jobs
2.762
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Tucson, AZ has 0.95x 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 0.95 suggests that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Tucson is very close to the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the demand for these roles is neither exceptionally high nor low compared to the rest of the country, implying a steady but not overly saturated employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,170↓ 8% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Tucson, AZ?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson, AZ is $39,200. This typically ranges from $32,280 for entry-level positions to $47,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 2.8% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $39,200 in Tucson is marginally higher than the national average of $38,130. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this presents a stable earning potential for these roles.
Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($36,170) and others.
How does the Tucson job market compare nationally for this role?
Tucson's job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.95, indicating a comparable concentration of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson, AZ?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson, AZ, is $39,200.
Does the cost of living in Tucson affect salary expectations?
No, the cost of living in Tucson is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $39,200 salary has average purchasing power compared to the national standard.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tucson?
Tucson has a workforce of 1,070 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, and the role accounts for 2.762 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady presence of these positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 2.762 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 Tucson, AZ