Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Virgin Islands
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands are earning an impressive average annual salary of $67,990, significantly higher than the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique demands and potentially higher operational costs associated with the island's hospitality sector, making it a competitive market for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 62.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 Chefs and Head Cooks and a robust Location Quotient of 7.19, the job market in the Virgin Islands for this profession demonstrates a strong concentration and demand. This indicates that the role is highly valued and integral to the local economy, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for culinary experts.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Virgin Islands earns+5.1%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,308
$5,666
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the culinary industry. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled chefs, and the evolving gastronomic scene likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Virgin Islands
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and ample opportunity for financial growth within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $34,930 | $16.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,993 | $24.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,930 | $29.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $84,988 | $40.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $100,860 | $48.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,658
Adjusted for COL (120)
The average annual salary of $67,990 in the Virgin Islands presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 120. While the nominal salary is attractive and above the national average, the 20% higher cost of living means that purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to a lower cost-of-living area with a comparable salary. Careful budgeting is advised for those relocating.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
8.504
Per 1K Jobs
7.19
Location Quotient
Virgin Islands has 7.2x the national concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 7.19 for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands signifies a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a high demand relative to the available workforce, indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a favorable market for experienced chefs looking for opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $37,680↓ 45% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virgin Islands
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Virgin Islands?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Virgin Islands is $67,990. This typically ranges from $34,930 for entry-level positions to $100,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virgin Islands is 5.1% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Virgin Islands a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, the Virgin Islands offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $67,990 significantly surpasses the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ 7.19) indicates strong local demand.
Is Virgin Islands a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Virgin Islands is 120. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virgin Islands?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR ($37,680) and others.
How does the Virgin Islands salary compare to the national average for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands earn an average of $67,990 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $64,680.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 7.19 mean for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands?
An LQ of 7.19 indicates that Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in the Virgin Islands at a rate over seven times higher than the national average, signifying a strong concentration and demand for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in the Virgin Islands affect the Chef salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 120, the Virgin Islands is 20% more expensive than the national average. This means the $67,990 salary, while high, needs to be considered against these elevated living expenses.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands?
The local workforce for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virgin Islands comprises approximately 280 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Virgin Islands area with a job density of 8.504 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virgin Islands