Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Virginia
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $30,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's hospitality and service sectors. The lower average pay is often influenced by the overall economic landscape and the cost of living in West Virginia.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,540 individuals, the role of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria represents a significant segment of the state's employment. The Location Quotient of 2.23 indicates a concentration of these jobs nearly 2.23 times higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals within West Virginia.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia earns-19.5%below the national average.
$14.8
$590
$2,558
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive employment conditions within the state.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and extensive experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,000 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,025 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,790 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,375 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,800 | $18.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,689
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,700 in West Virginia presents a unique financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that while the salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of essential goods and services may offer a comparable or even improved purchasing power for residents.
Job Market Context
4,540
Total Jobs
6.479
Per 1K Jobs
2.23
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 2.2x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.23 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a market where these professionals are in relatively high demand, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a more specialized culinary employment landscape within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 4% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,880↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,570↓ 4% | 62 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,490↓ 1% | 80 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,970↑ 14% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia is $30,700. This typically ranges from $23,000 for entry-level positions to $38,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 19.5% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $30,700 is below the national average, West Virginia's lower cost of living (88.5 index) can make the nominal salary more impactful for residents.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($29,570) and Beckley, WV.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.479 jobs per 1,000 workers, West Virginia shows a higher concentration of Cook, Institution and Cafeteria roles than the national average, indicating a stronger local demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in West Virginia?
An LQ of 2.23 means that West Virginia has more than double the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs, highlighting a specialized and robust local market.
How does the cost of living in West Virginia affect the salary of a Cook?
The cost of living index of 88.5 suggests that expenses are 11.5% lower than the national average, which helps to offset the lower average salary of $30,700.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in West Virginia?
There are approximately 4,540 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Virginia, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,540 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 6.479 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 West Virginia