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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in West Virginia

Cooks in West Virginia's fast-food sector earn an average annual salary of $24,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to the state. The lower average wage is often influenced by the prevailing cost of living and the overall demand for these roles within West Virginia.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,270.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 15,590 individuals and a Location Quotient of 5.13, the demand for Fast Food Cooks in West Virginia is significantly higher than the national average. This strong concentration indicates a robust job market for these professionals within the state, suggesting ample opportunities and a steady need for their services across various establishments.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,330

The average Cooks, Fast Food in West Virginia earns-21.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$11.7

Weekly

$468

Monthly

$2,028

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in West Virginia

Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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 signify clear career advancement pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,340$10.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,248$8.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,800$11
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$30,413$14.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$28,270$13.6

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,492

Adjusted for COL (88.5)

The average annual salary of $24,330 in West Virginia presents a unique financial landscape when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of that income may be somewhat enhanced due to lower everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

15,590

Total Jobs

22.223

Per 1K Jobs

5.13

Location Quotient

Major Hub

West Virginia has 5.1x 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.

West Virginia's Location Quotient of 5.13 for Fast Food Cooks signifies a highly concentrated job market, indicating that this profession is significantly more prevalent in the state compared to the national average. This abundance suggests a strong demand and a competitive environment for both employers seeking staff and individuals looking for employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Charleston, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary$24,000↓ 1%38 mi
Beckley, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary$22,670↓ 7%50 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary$23,660↓ 3%62 mi
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Fast Food Salary$23,730↓ 2%80 mi

Comparing salaries near West Virginia

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in West Virginia is $24,330. This typically ranges from $21,340 for entry-level positions to $28,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 21.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, West Virginia is not considered a lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks based on average salary.The average annual salary of $24,330 is substantially lower than the national average, indicating less financial reward for this role within the state.

Is West Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($24,000) and Beckley, WV.

How does West Virginia's cost of living compare to the national average?

West Virginia's cost of living is lower than the national average, with an index of 88.5 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in West Virginia?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 5.13, meaning the job is over five times more common in West Virginia than in the U.S. overall.

How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in West Virginia?

There are approximately 15,590 Fast Food Cooks employed within West Virginia.

Are there many job openings for Fast Food Cooks in West Virginia?

Yes, the high Location Quotient of 5.13 suggests a strong demand and a significant presence of Fast Food Cook positions within the state's job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,590 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 22.223 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 West Virginia