Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,830. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure influencing compensation in this specific locale. The localized demand and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan West Kentucky play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,080.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,010 individuals in this role, the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a substantial presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 2.68 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-24.4%below the national average.
$13.9
$554
$2,403
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 in nonmetropolitan areas like West Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by increasing operational costs, a need to attract and retain skilled labor, and the general economic conditions that influence wage adjustments across various sectors.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity as one moves from junior to senior roles within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,330 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,623 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,510 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,038 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,080 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,830 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute salary is lower, the cost of essential goods and services is also at par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
7.795
Per 1K Jobs
2.68
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.7x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.68 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a strong local demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, suggesting that the job market here is less saturated from a national perspective and potentially offers more opportunities for those specializing in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,800↑ 28% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↑ 7% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,060↑ 29% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,930↑ 25% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $28,830. This typically ranges from $23,330 for entry-level positions to $35,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 24.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place based on average earnings.The average salary of $28,830 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are comparable, the earning potential is considerably lower.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,800) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the West Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Kentucky is $28,830, which is approximately $9,300 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.68 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.68 suggests that jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are significantly more concentrated in West Kentucky than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand for these roles in the region.
Does the Cost of Living in West Kentucky affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower salary of $28,830 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are employed in West Kentucky?
There are approximately 1,010 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Kentucky 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 1,010 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.795 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area