Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
In the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, may be influencing compensation. The specific economic conditions and cost of living within this region play a significant role in shaping the earning potential for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,730.
- Outlook: The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area supports a substantial workforce of 6,300 Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 1.92, this indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average. This high quotient suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for fast food cooks within the region, signaling a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-10.9%below the national average.
$13.3
$534
$2,313
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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, even if modest, reflects the ongoing need for these workers and potential efforts by employers to retain staff in a competitive service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary data across experience levels isn't detailed here, the difference between starting wages and those earned by senior cooks or shift leaders can be significant. These percentile gaps in earnings generally signify the value placed on accumulated skills, efficiency, and leadership capabilities within the fast food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,130 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,813 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,150 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,688 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,730 | $14.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,750 for Cooks, Fast Food in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC 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 neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
6,300
Total Jobs
8.342
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 1.9x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.92 for Cooks, Fast Food in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC signifies a market where this profession is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to other occupations or a larger proportion of businesses relying on fast food services, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also indicating a competitive landscape for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,960↑ 8% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $27,750. This typically ranges from $26,130 for entry-level positions to $29,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 10.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,750 is below the national average of $31,130, and while the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer a significant advantage.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($29,960) and others.
How does the number of fast food jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.342 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area has a higher concentration of fast food jobs than the national average, indicating a strong presence of this industry.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for fast food cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.92 means that fast food cooks are employed in this region at nearly twice the rate found nationally, suggesting a specialized local market demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a fast food cook in Virginia Beach?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average, meaning the $27,750 salary has standard purchasing power relative to national averages.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area?
The region employs approximately 6,300 individuals in roles as Cooks, Fast Food, representing a significant segment of the local food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,300 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 8.342 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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC