Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $37,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different demand structure influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and economic conditions of nonmetropolitan areas often shape the pay scales for essential roles like institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,750.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.72. This significantly higher-than-average concentration suggests a stronger local demand for these professionals relative to the national landscape. With a total local workforce of 420, the presence of 5.014 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a stable and potentially growing employment sector for this occupation within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-2.4%below the national average.
$17.9
$716
$3,103
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West Montana is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. As the cost of living remains stable nationally, we anticipate that wages for cooks have likely seen incremental increases to keep pace with operational costs and maintain workforce stability.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and dedication within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,640 | $14.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,923 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,340 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,538 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,750 | $23 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,230 in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
5.014
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
West Montana nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.72 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive or at least a more abundant job market for this specific role within the region, potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers or indicating a higher demand from local institutions and cafeterias.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,390↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,240↑ 0% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,970↑ 5% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $37,230. This typically ranges from $29,640 for entry-level positions to $47,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 2.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the salary is competitive with the national average, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning there are no significant savings to be made.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($36,390) and Helena, MT.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $37,230, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.72, indicating that this occupation is 72% more concentrated in West Montana nonmetropolitan areas than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $37,230 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number mean?
A total local workforce of 420 for this occupation suggests a relatively small but present job market within the West Montana 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 420 employees in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.014 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area