Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area earn an average annual salary of $34,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for these roles. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,340.
- Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford area supports a local workforce of 310 individuals in roles as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 4.114, the demand for these professionals is present, indicating a stable job market. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 1.42, suggests that this occupation is more prevalent in this region compared to the national average, pointing to a potentially robust local demand.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-8.3%below the national average.
$16.8
$673
$2,914
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving culinary standards likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for skilled kitchen professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,170 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,228 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,870 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,713 | $21 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,340 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,970 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower salary is offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
4.114
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.42, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area demonstrates a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong and potentially competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may find a good pool of local talent, while job seekers might encounter more opportunities compared to less concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,050↓ 3% | 26 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,880↓ 15% | 57 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↓ 7% | 69 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,600↓ 1% | 79 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,840↓ 3% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $34,970. This typically ranges from $28,170 for entry-level positions to $40,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,970 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($34,050) and Beckley, WV.
How does the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $34,970, which is $3,160 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
The Location Quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 1.42, indicating that this occupation is 42% more concentrated in this region than the national average.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers locally?
There are approximately 4.114 jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria per 1,000 workers in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $34,970 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offsetting the slightly lower nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 4.114 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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA