Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,540, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for institutional and cafeteria roles within this particular geographic area. The cost of living, however, remains at the national average, presenting a unique financial landscape for these culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 individuals in this role, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area shows a steady presence. The Location Quotient of 2 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is twice the national average, suggesting a potentially robust demand relative to the general employment landscape. This concentration implies that while the overall number of jobs might not be vast, the proportion of these roles within the local economy is significant.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-14.7%below the national average.
$15.6
$626
$2,712
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southwest Virginia is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of food supplies and operational expenses for institutions and cafeterias likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, aiming to attract and retain qualified culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, such as head cook or kitchen manager. As experience and skill levels increase, so does earning potential, with senior cooks often commanding salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,250 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,405 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,510 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,675 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,540 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,540 in Southwest Virginia 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 for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
5.828
Per 1K Jobs
2
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x 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 2 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area signifies a job market that is twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests that these roles are relatively more abundant and potentially more in demand within this specific region compared to the rest of the country, indicating a competitive but accessible market for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↑ 16% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,660↑ 13% | 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↑ 13% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↑ 0% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $32,540. This typically ranges from $28,250 for entry-level positions to $38,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 14.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,540 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,600) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?
A local workforce of 690 indicates a substantial pool of existing talent, which can influence hiring dynamics and potentially wage competition among employers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 2 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2 means that the concentration of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is double the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for these positions.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $32,540 salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there opportunities for career growth for cooks in this region?
While specific growth data isn't provided, the presence of a concentrated job market suggests potential for advancement from entry-level to senior roles, with corresponding salary increases.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.828 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area