Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,160. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different demand structure for institutional and cafeteria roles. The lower average salary in this specific nonmetropolitan region is often tied to the overall economic landscape and the cost of doing business within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 680 individuals. The location quotient of 3.12 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to the general workforce, suggesting consistent demand and a specialized local industry presence.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-26.1%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,347
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 Southern West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth, though potentially modest compared to national averages, would aim to keep pace with the cost of living and attract and retain skilled culinary professionals within the region.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this region, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,660 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,120 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,920 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,200 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,260 | $16.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,160 in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
9.074
Per 1K Jobs
3.12
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 3.1x 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 3.12, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are significantly more concentrated in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized demand for these culinary professionals within the region's institutions and cafeterias, potentially leading to a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent but offering more opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↑ 34% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,660↑ 30% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,540↑ 19% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,870↑ 31% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↑ 16% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $28,160. This typically ranges from $22,660 for entry-level positions to $34,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 26.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $28,160 is significantly below the national average of $38,130. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 3.12) indicates demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,600) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $28,160, which is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 3.12 mean for job seekers?
An LQ of 3.12 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles are over three times more concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a specialized job market for these positions.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of $28,160 in Southern West Virginia is equivalent to the national average, making the effective value of the salary comparable in terms of living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 680 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, representing 9.074 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.074 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area