Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
In Harrisonburg, VA, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $29,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within the region. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of fast-food establishments in Harrisonburg play a role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,520.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Harrisonburg, VA, appears stable with a total workforce of 270 individuals. A Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand that aligns with broader market trends. With 4.129 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these positions is well-established within the Harrisonburg economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Harrisonburg, VA earns-6.4%below the national average.
$14
$561
$2,429
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Harrisonburg's fast-food cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages in this sector have seen modest growth, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles like Cooks, Fast Food over time.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Harrisonburg, VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks or those in supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior positions signify clear career progression pathways and increased earning potential within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,780 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,863 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,420 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,438 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,520 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,150 in Harrisonburg, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in Harrisonburg is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally keep pace with the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.129
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Harrisonburg, VA has 0.95x 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 0.95, Harrisonburg, VA, presents a job market for Cooks, Fast Food that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable employment landscape, where the number of available positions relative to the workforce is consistent with national patterns, indicating neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,130↑ 10% | 35 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,920↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,770↓ 18% | 60 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,390↑ 1% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Harrisonburg, VA is $29,150. This typically ranges from $26,780 for entry-level positions to $33,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 6.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $29,150 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while the cost of living is manageable, the earning potential does not exceed national benchmarks.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($32,130) and Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Harrisonburg's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Harrisonburg, VA is $29,150, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Harrisonburg, VA?
Harrisonburg, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are fast-food cook jobs in Harrisonburg, VA?
The concentration of fast-food cook jobs in Harrisonburg, VA, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.95, which is very close to the national average of 1.0.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Harrisonburg, VA?
There are approximately 270 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Harrisonburg, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 4.129 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 Harrisonburg, VA