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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Roanoke, VA

In Roanoke, VA, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $28,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this specific role. The pay scale in Roanoke reflects a balance between the cost of living and the concentration of these positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,790.
  • Outlook: The Roanoke, VA market for Cooks, Fast Food appears stable, with a total local workforce of 680 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, suggesting a steady, if not slightly above average, demand for fast food cooks within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,460

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA earns-8.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.7

Weekly

$547

Monthly

$2,372

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA

Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,960$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,345$10.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,770$13.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,575$17.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,790$16.2

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $28,460 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for a Cook, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA holds its purchasing power relative to the rest of the country. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

4.468

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, Roanoke, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

Roanoke, VA's Location Quotient of 1.03 for Cooks, Fast Food signifies a job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand for these roles is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to other areas, indicating a balanced and competitive employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary$28,220↓ 1%43 mi
Beckley, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary$22,670↓ 20%76 mi
Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,900↓ 9%82 mi

Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Roanoke, VA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA is $28,460. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $33,790 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 8.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,460 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, it doesn't offset the lower nominal pay.

Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lynchburg, VA ($28,220) and Beckley, WV.

How does Roanoke's cost of living compare to the national average for fast food cooks?

Roanoke, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a fast food cook's salary in Roanoke is comparable to the national average.

What is the concentration of fast food cooks in Roanoke, VA?

The Location Quotient for Cooks, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA is 1.03, indicating a concentration that is slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable demand for these positions in the local market.

How many fast food cooks are there in Roanoke, VA?

There are approximately 680 Cooks, Fast Food employed in Roanoke, VA, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this sector.

What is the difference between Roanoke's average salary and the national average for fast food cooks?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Roanoke, VA is $28,460, which is $2,670 less than the national average of $31,130.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 4.468 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Roanoke, VA