Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,110. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, a common trend in regions with lower costs of living and a more localized demand for specific skill sets. The economic landscape and industry concentration in this area directly influence compensation levels for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,660.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,060 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.53 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-21.0%below the national average.
$14.5
$579
$2,509
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in this particular nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments seen across many sectors. This growth would likely reflect increased operational costs for institutions and a steady demand for culinary services.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,800 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,583 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,650 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,638 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,660 | $18.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,110 in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the income.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
7.368
Per 1K Jobs
2.53
Location Quotient
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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 2.53, the market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is notably concentrated. This indicates that these roles are more prevalent here than in the average U.S. location, suggesting a specialized demand within the region's institutions and cafeterias, potentially leading to more job opportunities within this specific field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↑ 25% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,660↑ 22% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,540↑ 11% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,870↑ 22% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↑ 8% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $30,110. This typically ranges from $22,800 for entry-level positions to $37,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 21.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,110 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,600) and Richmond, VA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 7.368 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role is more concentrated in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area than the national average, reflecting the high Location Quotient.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 2.53 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are more than twice as common in this region compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
Does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
Yes, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means the $30,110 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, offsetting the lower nominal wage.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias are employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,060 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.368 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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area