Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Virginia
Cooks in institutions and cafeterias across Virginia earn an average annual salary of $37,640. This figure is marginally lower than the national average of $38,130, suggesting that while demand is present, local economic factors and potentially a slightly higher supply of qualified professionals may influence compensation levels in the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,340.
- Outlook: Virginia boasts a substantial workforce of 11,070 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these roles in Virginia is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these culinary services across various institutional settings within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Virginia earns-1.3%below the national average.
$18.1
$724
$3,137
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 roles in Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing operational costs, a persistent need for skilled food service personnel, and a general upward adjustment in wages to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Virginia
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,620 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,260 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,050 | $22.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,340 | $22.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,120
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $37,640 in Virginia for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is very close to the national average, indicating that the earnings will likely cover essential expenses without significant strain relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
11,070
Total Jobs
2.724
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.94x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Virginia is neither exceptionally concentrated nor notably sparse compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced market where opportunities exist, but the demand is not overwhelmingly high or low, reflecting a steady presence of these roles across the state's various institutions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,600↓ 0% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,660↓ 3% | 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↓ 2% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,660↓ 13% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Virginia is $37,640. This typically ranges from $28,620 for entry-level positions to $47,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 1.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.Virginia offers an average salary of $37,640, which is slightly below the national average of $38,130. The cost of living is also very close to the national average, meaning the earning potential is comparable but not superior.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,600) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Virginia is $37,640, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the job market like for Cooks in Virginia?
Virginia has a substantial workforce of 11,070 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.94, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect a Cook's salary?
Virginia's Cost of Living Index is 101.4, very close to the national average. This means the average salary of $37,640 provides purchasing power that is nearly equivalent to the national average, making it neither particularly advantageous nor disadvantageous.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Virginia?
Yes, with 2.724 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 11,070, there is a consistent presence of job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals across the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,070 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 2.724 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 Virginia