Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Waco, TX
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $31,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local factors is crucial for assessing compensation in this role within Waco.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,890.
- Outlook: Waco, TX supports a local workforce of 510 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.36 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary professionals within the city's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waco, TX earns-16.5%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,653
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Waco have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for institutions, and a steady demand for food services would likely contribute to incremental salary increases.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Waco typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,700 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,880 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,310 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,800 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,890 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,840 in Waco, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that income within Waco is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
3.963
Per 1K Jobs
1.36
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.36, Waco, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.36, Waco, TX demonstrates a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust job market for these professionals, indicating that employers in Waco may actively seek out and value this specific skill set more than in other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waco, TX is $31,840. This typically ranges from $25,700 for entry-level positions to $38,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 16.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the average salary of $31,840 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130 for this role.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($28,650) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waco salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waco, TX is $31,840, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.36 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.36 indicates that Waco has a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, suggesting a relatively strong local demand for Cooks in institutional settings.
Does the Cost of Living in Waco affect the salary?
The Cost of Living in Waco is at the national average (100), meaning the $31,840 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national average for the profession.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Waco?
There are approximately 510 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Waco, TX.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 3.963 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 Waco, TX