Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
In the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $29,080. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The localized pay structure is a direct consequence of the area's unique economic landscape and the concentration of fast-food establishments.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Virginia is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a presence very close to the national average. The total local workforce of 270 suggests a stable, albeit not expansive, demand for these roles. With 4.143 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-6.6%below the national average.
$14
$559
$2,423
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory is typical for service industry roles in nonmetropolitan regions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,240 | $13.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,810 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,410 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,350 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,860 | $15.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,080 in Northwest Virginia aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the region's overall affordability a key factor for potential residents.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.143
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.96x 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 0.96, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Virginia is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without significant over- or under-saturation compared to the rest of the country. The job market is neither exceptionally competitive nor unusually abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,130↑ 10% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,960↑ 3% | 41 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,150↑ 0% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,220↓ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $29,080. This typically ranges from $27,240 for entry-level positions to $32,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 6.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $29,080 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, it does not offset the lower nominal earnings.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($32,130) and Richmond, VA.
How does the Northwest Virginia salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Northwest Virginia is $29,080, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the cost of living in Northwest Virginia?
The cost of living index in Northwest Virginia is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a presence very close to the national average concentration.
What is the total workforce size for Fast Food Cooks in Northwest Virginia?
There are approximately 270 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
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 Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.143 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area