Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in U.S.
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias across the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $38,130. This figure aligns precisely with the national average, indicating that compensation for this role in the U.S. is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical pay nationwide. Factors such as the overall economic climate and the demand for food services within institutional settings likely contribute to this equilibrium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,270.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 290,480 individuals, the U.S. presents a significant labor pool for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles. While a specific Location Quotient (LQ) is not provided, the sheer size of the workforce suggests a robust presence of these positions, implying a consistent demand for culinary professionals within institutional environments across the nation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in U.S. earns-0.0%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,178
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in the U.S. is not detailed here, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for most roles, including those in food service.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in U.S.
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,900 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,598 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,150 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,663 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,270 | $23.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,130 in the U.S. aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in the U.S. is neither enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the national standard. Consequently, relocating to or working in the U.S. for this role offers no immediate cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage.
Job Market Context
290,480
Total Jobs
N/A
Per 1K Jobs
N/A
Location Quotient
The absence of a specific Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the U.S. makes it challenging to definitively assess market competitiveness. However, the large total local workforce of 290,480 suggests a potentially saturated market or, conversely, a high demand that is met by a large supply of workers. Without a comparative LQ, it's difficult to determine if the job market is particularly abundant or competitive.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MO-KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,950↓ 16% | 67 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,120↓ 21% | 67 mi |
| Wichita, KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,530↓ 17% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near U.S.
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in U.S.?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in U.S. is $38,130. This typically ranges from $27,900 for entry-level positions to $48,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in U.S. is 0.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is U.S. a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $38,130 is exactly at the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates no significant financial advantage for this role in the U.S.
Is U.S. a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near U.S.?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($31,950) and Tulsa, OK.
What is the typical entry-level salary for a Cook, Institution and Cafeteria in the U.S.?
Entry-level salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the U.S. typically fall below the average of $38,130, often starting in the lower percentiles of the pay scale.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in the U.S.?
With increased experience, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the U.S. can expect their salaries to rise, moving into higher pay percentiles as they gain skills and potentially take on more responsibility.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the U.S.?
Given the large workforce of 290,480, there is a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting consistent demand, though the exact competitiveness is unclear without a Location Quotient.
Does the cost of living affect the salary for this role in the U.S.?
No, the cost of living in the U.S. is at the national average (100), meaning the $38,130 salary has standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290,480 employees in the U.S. area with a job density of 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 U.S.