Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Valdosta, GA
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Valdosta, GA is $29,690. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Valdosta, GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,870.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Valdosta, GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Valdosta, GA earns-22.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,474
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salaries in Valdosta, GA have shown healthy growth of 12.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA
The earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in Valdosta, GA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $23,280, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,870.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,280 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,268 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,370 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,113 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,870 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Valdosta, GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $29,690 to $29,690.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
2.053
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Valdosta, GA has 0.71x 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.
110 people work as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Valdosta, GA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.053 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,380↑ 16% | 64 mi |
| Albany, GA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,410↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,110↑ 22% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Valdosta, GA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Valdosta, GA is $29,690. This typically ranges from $23,280 for entry-level positions to $36,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 22.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Valdosta, GA a good place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Valdosta, GA is $29,690 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Valdosta, GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Valdosta, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tallahassee, FL ($34,380) and Albany, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 2.053 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 Valdosta, GA