Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within institutional and cafeteria settings play a crucial role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,720.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 490 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.7 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized need for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earns-4.9%below the national average.
$17.4
$698
$3,023
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West South Dakota is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food services, and potential labor shortages likely contributed to incremental increases in compensation for cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly influences the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically 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 salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,780 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,203 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,570 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,338 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,720 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,270 in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the national norm.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
7.842
Per 1K Jobs
2.7
Location Quotient
West South Dakota 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.7 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area signifies a market that is considerably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are in high demand relative to the overall workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $36,270. This typically ranges from $28,780 for entry-level positions to $44,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 4.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly below the national average. The high concentration of these jobs, however, indicates strong local demand.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.842 jobs per 1,000 workers, the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area has a notable presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles relative to its population size, exceeding the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 2.7 means that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area is 2.7 times higher than the national average, indicating a specialized and in-demand sector locally.
How does the salary compare to the cost of living?
The average salary of $36,270 is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your earnings will have similar purchasing power as they would in a typical U.S. location.
Are there many opportunities for Cooks in this region?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand and a greater availability of positions for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria compared to many other regions across the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.842 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 South Dakota nonmetropolitan area