Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Charlottesville, VA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Charlottesville, VA, earn an average annual salary of $37,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics may influence compensation. The specific needs and budget allocations of institutions within Charlottesville play a significant role in shaping the pay scale for these vital culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,810.
- Outlook: Charlottesville, VA, supports a local workforce of approximately 400 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.22, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 22% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for institutional cooks within the area, signaling a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charlottesville, VA earns-1.4%below the national average.
$18.1
$723
$3,133
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Charlottesville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles over the past four years, mirroring broader economic patterns. Inflationary pressures and increasing demand for food services in institutional settings typically drive modest but consistent salary growth in such positions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Charlottesville, VA, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized dietary knowledge or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the 75th percentile or beyond. The variance in pay across different experience levels highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,600 | $14.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,200 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,300 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,000 | $22.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,810 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,600 for Cooks in Charlottesville, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Charlottesville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
3.553
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Charlottesville, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charlottesville, VA, signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Charlottesville is relatively more robust for this specific occupation, potentially offering more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Comparing salaries near Charlottesville, VA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Charlottesville, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charlottesville, VA is $37,600. This typically ranges from $30,600 for entry-level positions to $44,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 1.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.22) indicates good local demand.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($33,130) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Charlottesville, VA, is $37,600, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville, VA for this role?
The cost of living in Charlottesville, VA, is at the national average of 100, meaning that the $37,600 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is there strong demand for institutional cooks in Charlottesville?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Charlottesville compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How many institutional cooks work in Charlottesville?
There are approximately 400 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals employed in Charlottesville, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 3.553 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 Charlottesville, VA