Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Harrisonburg, VA, earn an average annual salary of $36,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating that local market dynamics and the cost of living may influence compensation. While the difference is marginal, it highlights the importance of understanding regional economic factors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,120.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly above the national average, implying a steady demand within the Harrisonburg area for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA earns-3.3%below the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,073
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 Harrisonburg, VA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles that are essential to daily operations in various institutions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,170 | $15.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,653 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,910 | $18.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,088 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,120 | $22.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,870 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), the nominal income for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA, directly aligns with the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Harrisonburg is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.995
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Harrisonburg, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.03 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA, indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that while the profession is present and accounted for, it is not significantly over-represented or under-represented, implying a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,540↓ 9% | 22 mi |
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↑ 2% | 35 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,130↓ 10% | 60 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,110↓ 18% | 60 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,540↓ 12% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Harrisonburg, VA is $36,870. This typically ranges from $32,170 for entry-level positions to $46,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 3.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,870 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential and expenses.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($33,540) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?
A local workforce of 200 suggests a moderately sized market. While not a massive hub, it indicates consistent opportunities within institutions and cafeterias in Harrisonburg.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.03 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 1.03 signifies that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Harrisonburg is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand relative to other professions.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Harrisonburg?
Experienced cooks typically earn more than entry-level positions due to acquired skills, efficiency, and potential supervisory responsibilities, reflecting a standard career progression.
Is the cost of living in Harrisonburg a factor in the salary?
The cost of living index of 100 means Harrisonburg's expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the salary of $36,870 provides a purchasing power consistent with the national median.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 2.995 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 Harrisonburg, VA