Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific demand and compensation structure within this nonmetropolitan region significantly influence this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,280.
- Outlook: The West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 980 individuals in roles such as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 8.222, the presence of this profession is more concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit localized, demand for these culinary professionals within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-16.5%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,653
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West Tennessee is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for skilled positions like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role highlight the career trajectory available, rewarding increased expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,680 | $11.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,880 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,740 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,800 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,280 | $18.9 |
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 nominal average salary of $31,840 in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly 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 is equivalent to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this income.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
8.222
Per 1K Jobs
2.83
Location Quotient
West Tennessee 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.83 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are significantly more concentrated in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand and a specialized labor market where these professionals are more readily sought after than in many other regions, potentially offering more job stability within this specific geographic area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,790↑ 12% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,960↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,530↓ 10% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $25,600↓ 20% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $26,400↓ 17% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $31,840. This typically ranges from $24,680 for entry-level positions to $39,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 16.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $31,840 is substantially lower than the national average, despite the cost of living being on par. However, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 2.83) suggests strong local demand and job availability.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($35,790) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Tennessee compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Tennessee is $31,840, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this region?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.83, indicating that this role is significantly more prevalent in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in West Tennessee affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $31,840 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in West Tennessee?
There are approximately 980 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Tennessee 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 980 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.222 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area