Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas. The concentration of this role in the region also plays a part in the compensation structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 650 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.28, the demand for fast-food cooks in Southwest Virginia appears robust and slightly above the national average concentration. This suggests a stable job market for these professionals, indicating consistent opportunities within the region's food service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-5.6%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,449
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 Southwest Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive employment conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly influences the earning potential for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary data for this role would signify clear career progression pathways from novice to senior cook.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,220 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,043 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,110 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,738 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,570 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,390 in Southwest Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a fast-food cook's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a cook in a national average cost-of-living area, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
5.554
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates that Cooks, Fast Food are 28% more concentrated in Southwest Virginia than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a higher relative demand or a larger proportion of these jobs compared to the general workforce in the region, making the market somewhat more abundant for job seekers in this specific field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,130↑ 9% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,960↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,150↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,220↓ 4% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $29,390. This typically ranges from $26,220 for entry-level positions to $33,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 5.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,390 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating standard purchasing power.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($32,130) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Virginia is $29,390, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Virginia?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.28, meaning there are 28% more Fast Food Cooks in this region compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Virginia affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This implies that the $29,390 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.
Are there many job opportunities for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
With 5.554 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient above 1, the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Southwest Virginia appears to have a solid presence and consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.554 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area