Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,470, which is below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria services, and the overall cost structure within nonmetropolitan economies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,170.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Central Illinois is notably concentrated, with a total local workforce of 1,390 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.81 suggests a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a robust demand or a specialized local industry that relies heavily on these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-9.6%below the national average.
$16.6
$663
$2,873
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 in West Central Illinois have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase would reflect ongoing demand and the need to retain skilled culinary staff within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which is reflected in salary increases. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced cooks can command higher wages, with significant gaps between entry-level and senior positions indicating clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,853 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,910 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,088 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,170 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,470 in West Central Illinois aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,390
Total Jobs
8.182
Per 1K Jobs
2.81
Location Quotient
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.81, West Central Illinois exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles relative to the national landscape. This indicates that the job market in this region is significantly more specialized or in higher demand for these positions than the average U.S. nonmetropolitan area, making it a potentially favorable market for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,190↑ 11% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,460↑ 6% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,570↑ 15% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,850↑ 4% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,290↑ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $34,470. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $41,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 9.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,470 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($38,190) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Central Illinois is $34,470, which is approximately 9.5% lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient?
A Location Quotient of 2.81 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in West Central Illinois is 2.81 times higher than the national average, indicating a specialized and relatively abundant job market for this role.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $34,470 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 1,390 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,390 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.182 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area