Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting influence compensation levels for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 individuals in this role, the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentrated demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.86. This suggests that the occupation is more prevalent here than the national average, pointing to a potentially stable job market for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-9.5%below the national average.
$16.6
$664
$2,876
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 the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, increase in earning potential for professionals in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear career progression pathways and increased earning potential as one advances.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,440 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,883 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,700 | $15.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,138 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,340 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,510 in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this salary.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
5.403
Per 1K Jobs
1.86
Location Quotient
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.86 signifies that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are nearly twice as concentrated in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This indicates a robust local demand and a potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, suggesting good opportunities for those in the profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↑ 9% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,660↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,540↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,870↑ 7% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↓ 5% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $34,510. This typically ranges from $27,440 for entry-level positions to $45,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 9.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,600) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 350 indicates a substantial presence of this role, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the region for qualified cooks.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.86 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.86 means the occupation is 86% more concentrated than the national average, implying higher demand and potentially more job openings relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,510 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there many jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
Yes, the concentration (LQ of 1.86) and the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (5.403) suggest a healthy presence and demand for these roles in Northwest 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 350 employees in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.403 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 Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area