SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Richmond, VA

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $36,660. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Richmond's diverse food service sector likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,880.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,510 individuals in this role, Richmond presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for institutional and cafeteria cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while the profession is present, it's not disproportionately represented compared to the national landscape, indicating a steady but not booming demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,660

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Richmond, VA earns-3.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.6

Weekly

$705

Monthly

$3,055

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Richmond, VA, typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,850$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,495$13.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,180$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,825$22
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,880$21.1

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,660 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Richmond is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,510

Total Jobs

2.307

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.79x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Richmond, VA, is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while there are ample opportunities, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$33,130↓ 10%41 mi
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$30,110↓ 18%41 mi
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$32,540↓ 11%41 mi
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$34,510↓ 6%41 mi
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$28,160↓ 23%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Richmond, VA is $36,660. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $43,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 3.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,660 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests steady employment rather than high earning potential.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($33,130) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Richmond, VA?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Richmond, VA is $36,660.

How does Richmond's cost of living compare to the national average?

Richmond, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria work in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 1,510 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Richmond, VA.

Is the job market for Cooks in Richmond, VA highly concentrated?

No, the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.79.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,510 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 2.307 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA