SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an average annual salary of $57,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this culinary sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,050.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC, comprises approximately 610 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately sized but not overly saturated market for culinary leadership.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,640

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-10.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.7

Weekly

$1,108

Monthly

$4,803

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$40,190$19.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$43,230$20.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$53,860$25.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$72,050$34.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$80,050$38.5

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $57,640 in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for culinary professionals.

Job Market Context

610

Total Jobs

0.813

Per 1K Jobs

0.69

Location Quotient

Below Average

Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 0.69x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that Chefs and Head Cooks are somewhat less concentrated in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area compared to the national average. This indicates a market that is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Richmond, VA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,480↑ 5%96 mi

Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $57,640. This typically ranges from $40,190 for entry-level positions to $80,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 10.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $57,640 is below the national average of $64,680, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($60,480) and others.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $57,640, which is lower than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?

The Location Quotient is 0.69, meaning the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks is 31% lower than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $57,640 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the region?

There are approximately 610 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 0.813 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC