Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wildwood-The Villages, FL earn an average annual salary of $34,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demands of institutional and cafeteria settings within this region likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,540.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, shows a concentration of 1.82, significantly higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 210 individuals in this role, this elevated location quotient suggests a robust demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wildwood-The Villages, FL earns-10.2%below the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,853
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Wildwood-The Villages is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen a steady, albeit modest, growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and evolving culinary standards.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
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 senior cooks or those with specialized institutional experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,080 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,673 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,730 | $16.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,788 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,540 | $19.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,230 in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither exceptionally high nor low.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
5.283
Per 1K Jobs
1.82
Location Quotient
Wildwood-The Villages, FL has 1.8x 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 1.82, Wildwood-The Villages, FL, exhibits a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs that is 82% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for skilled individuals in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ocala, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,360↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,640↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,970↑ 11% | 41 mi |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,590↑ 1% | 49 mi |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,840↑ 8% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is $34,230. This typically ranges from $27,080 for entry-level positions to $40,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 10.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,230 is below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ocala, FL ($32,360) and Homosassa Springs, FL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is $34,230, which is $3,900 less than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.82 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.82 signifies that Wildwood-The Villages, FL has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stronger local market for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average nationally. Therefore, the $34,230 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
There are approximately 210 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Wildwood-The Villages, FL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Wildwood-The Villages, FL area with a job density of 5.283 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 Wildwood-The Villages, FL