Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Winchester, VA-WV
In Winchester, VA-WV, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,350. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this region. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone considering a career in fast food service here.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,920.
- Outlook: The fast food cook job market in Winchester, VA-WV appears moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.17 indicating a presence slightly above the national average. The total local workforce of 350 individuals suggests a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, demand for these roles, providing a consistent, if not rapidly expanding, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Winchester, VA-WV earns-8.9%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,363
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 Winchester, VA-WV have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases in the service sector. This general upward trajectory is often driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Winchester, VA-WV
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Winchester, VA-WV typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $21,263 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,960 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,438 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,920 | $15.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,350 in Winchester, VA-WV aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the earnings are slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this income.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
5.059
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Winchester, VA-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, Winchester, VA-WV shows a slightly higher concentration of fast food cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is reasonably competitive, with a demand that supports a slightly larger proportion of these workers relative to the general workforce, offering a decent number of opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,970↓ 1% | 40 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,610↓ 3% | 59 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,150↑ 3% | 63 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $36,600↑ 29% | 64 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,780↑ 2% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winchester, VA-WV
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Winchester, VA-WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Winchester, VA-WV is $28,350. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $32,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winchester, VA-WV is 8.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Winchester, VA-WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,350 is below the national average of $31,130, and while the cost of living is average, the earnings do not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is Winchester, VA-WV a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Winchester, VA-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winchester, VA-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV ($27,970) and Chambersburg, PA.
How does the number of fast food cooks in Winchester compare to the national average?
Winchester, VA-WV has 5.059 fast food cooks per 1,000 workers, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a moderate concentration of this profession in the area.
What is the total number of fast food cooks in Winchester, VA-WV?
There are approximately 350 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Winchester, VA-WV area.
Does experience significantly impact a fast food cook's salary in Winchester?
Yes, experience plays a key role, with entry-level positions earning less than those with several years of experience or supervisory roles, reflecting a typical career progression.
How does the cost of living in Winchester affect the salary of a fast food cook?
The cost of living in Winchester is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly lower average salary of $28,350 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering no significant cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Winchester, VA-WV area with a job density of 5.059 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 Winchester, VA-WV