Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Charlottesville, VA
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Charlottesville, VA, earn an average annual salary of $32,130. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $31,130, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this Virginia city. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Charlottesville's food service sector likely contribute to this modest pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 55.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,780.
- Outlook: Charlottesville, VA, hosts a local workforce of approximately 400 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 3.52 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces a moderate job market for this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Charlottesville, VA earns+3.2%above the national average.
$15.5
$618
$2,678
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Charlottesville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increases in the minimum wage, and evolving market demands for quick-service dining options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Charlottesville, VA, generally correlates with experience. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks, shift leaders, and those with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,440 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,098 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,100 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,163 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,780 | $19.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,130 in Charlottesville, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Charlottesville is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
3.52
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Charlottesville, VA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food 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 0.81, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Charlottesville, VA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector within the local employment landscape. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,920↓ 10% | 25 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,770↓ 26% | 25 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,390↓ 9% | 25 mi |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,080↓ 9% | 25 mi |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,620↓ 26% | 25 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlottesville, VA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Charlottesville, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Charlottesville, VA is $32,130. This typically ranges from $27,440 for entry-level positions to $40,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 3.2% higher than the national median of $31,130.
Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is slightly above the national average, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable. The market concentration is also slightly below average.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($28,920) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Charlottesville, VA, is $32,130, which is slightly higher than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville, VA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Charlottesville, VA?
The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Charlottesville, VA, has a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Charlottesville, VA?
There are approximately 400 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Charlottesville, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 3.52 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, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charlottesville, VA