Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. The lower compensation in this region is often influenced by a combination of local economic factors and a potentially smaller market demand compared to more urbanized areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $26,600.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Southern West Virginia is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,810 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 5.6 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized market for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-24.1%below the national average.
$11.4
$454
$1,968
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food Cooks in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. This growth is likely driven by increased operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for quick-service food options.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Fast Food Cooks typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the gap between lower and higher earnings generally signifies increased responsibility, skill acquisition, and tenure within the industry, reflecting a clear path for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,000 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,715 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,525 | $14.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $26,600 | $12.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,620 in Southern West Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
Job Market Context
1,810
Total Jobs
24.253
Per 1K Jobs
5.6
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 5.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 5.6, Southern West Virginia exhibits a highly concentrated market for Fast Food Cooks, far exceeding the national average. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the general workforce compared to other regions, making it a specialized and potentially competitive employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,130↑ 36% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,960↑ 27% | 41 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,150↑ 23% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,220↑ 19% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $23,620. This typically ranges from $21,000 for entry-level positions to $26,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 24.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks.The average salary of $23,620 is substantially lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($32,130) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The local job market in Southern West Virginia is significantly more concentrated for Fast Food Cooks, with a Location Quotient of 5.6, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Southern West Virginia?
There are approximately 1,810 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Southern West Virginia affect the salary?
The cost of living in Southern West Virginia is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $23,620 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary for the role.
Are there many job opportunities for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 5.6 suggests a strong concentration and demand for Fast Food Cooks relative to the general workforce in this 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 1,810 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 24.253 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area