Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Cooks in Tuscaloosa, AL earn an average annual salary of $30,250, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Tuscaloosa market for institutional and cafeteria roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 540 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.7, Tuscaloosa exhibits a significant concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand and a stable job market for these professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-20.7%below the national average.
$14.6
$582
$2,521
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 Tuscaloosa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in the cost of living and demand for food services.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Tuscaloosa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,770 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,688 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,940 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,813 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,600 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,250 in Tuscaloosa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost perspective.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
4.944
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Tuscaloosa, AL has 1.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.7 indicates that Tuscaloosa has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive market with potentially more opportunities, but also implies that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,930↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,070↓ 17% | 52 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,310↓ 16% | 52 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,480↓ 19% | 52 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $24,330↓ 20% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Tuscaloosa, AL is $30,250. This typically ranges from $20,770 for entry-level positions to $37,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 20.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,250 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($27,930) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Tuscaloosa?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases for Cooks in Tuscaloosa. Senior cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities typically earn more than entry-level positions.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.7 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.7 signifies a higher concentration of these jobs in Tuscaloosa compared to the national average, suggesting potentially more opportunities but also a more competitive job market.
Is the cost of living high in Tuscaloosa for Cooks?
The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is at the national average (index of 100), meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low compared to other areas in the US.
How does the Tuscaloosa market compare to the national market for Cooks?
The Tuscaloosa market has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs (LQ 1.7) but offers a lower average salary ($30,250 vs $38,130 nationally).
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 4.944 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL