Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Worcester, MA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester, MA, earn an average annual salary of $45,940, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,130. This higher compensation in Worcester is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and the specific demands of institutional and cafeteria settings within the city. The robust local job market contributes to this favorable pay scale for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,330.
- Outlook: Worcester's job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria appears stable, with a local workforce of 740 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a balanced demand that supports competitive wages without being oversaturated. This equilibrium points to consistent opportunities for skilled cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester, MA earns+20.5%above the national average.
$22.1
$883
$3,828
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many sectors. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain qualified staff likely contribute to this positive salary trajectory.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data would clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,190 | $17.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $34,455 | $16.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,870 | $21.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $57,425 | $27.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $55,330 | $26.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $45,940 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Worcester is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a typical U.S. city. Therefore, relocating to Worcester for this role offers a stable financial outlook without a significant change in living expenses.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
2.109
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Worcester, MA has 0.73x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.73, Worcester has a slightly lower concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market is not overly saturated. This can be advantageous for job seekers, as it implies a healthy demand for their skills without intense competition, potentially leading to better job security and negotiation power.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↓ 0% | 14 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,720↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,100↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $47,990↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Springfield, MA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $42,600↓ 7% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester, MA is $45,940. This typically ranges from $37,190 for entry-level positions to $55,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 20.5% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, Worcester, MA offers a lucrative environment for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias.The average salary of $45,940 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power for these professionals.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($45,870) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does the Worcester salary compare to the national average?
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Worcester earn an average of $45,940 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Worcester, MA?
Worcester, MA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have average purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Worcester?
The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles than the national average, indicating a balanced market with consistent demand.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria work in Worcester?
There are approximately 740 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Worcester, MA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 2.109 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 Worcester, MA