Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Beckley, WV
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Beckley, WV, earn an average annual salary of $29,880. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, indicating a localized pay structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Beckley job market. The cost of living in Beckley is at the national average, making this salary comparison particularly relevant for residents.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Beckley, WV, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.91, suggesting a demand for these roles that is nearly double the national average. While the total local workforce of 240 is modest, the high concentration points to a robust local demand relative to the available workforce, indicating a stable outlook for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Beckley, WV earns-21.6%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,490
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Beckley is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for institutions, and a sustained demand for food services.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Beckley, WV
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career progression opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,120 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,090 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,350 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,260 | $17.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,880 in Beckley, WV, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within Beckley is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by local affordability.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
5.553
Per 1K Jobs
1.91
Location Quotient
Beckley, WV has 1.9x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 1.91, Beckley, WV, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand for these professionals, suggesting that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for skilled individuals in this sector, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 1% | 46 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,970↑ 17% | 57 mi |
| Roanoke, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,050↑ 14% | 76 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,490↑ 2% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Beckley, WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Beckley, WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Beckley, WV is $29,880. This typically ranges from $23,120 for entry-level positions to $36,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Beckley, WV is 21.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Beckley, WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but the cost of living offers balance.The average salary of $29,880 is below the national average, but with a Cost of Living Index at 100, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average.
Is Beckley, WV a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Beckley, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Beckley, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($29,570) and Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA.
How does Beckley's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Beckley, WV, is $29,880, which is notably lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.91 mean for job seekers in Beckley?
A Location Quotient of 1.91 signifies that Beckley has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs relative to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and potentially more job opportunities in this field.
How does the Cost of Living in Beckley affect the salary?
Beckley's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary compared to the national average, the purchasing power of $29,880 in Beckley is equivalent to what the national average salary would buy across the country.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Beckley?
There are approximately 240 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions within the local workforce in Beckley, WV.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Beckley, WV area with a job density of 5.553 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Beckley, WV