Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Charleston, WV
In Charleston, WV, the average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant positions stands at $29,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Charleston culinary scene, contribute to this regional pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,860.
- Outlook: Charleston, WV supports a local workforce of 770 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the immediate job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV earns-22.3%below the national average.
$14.1
$564
$2,443
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston, WV is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend is likely reflected to some degree in the Charleston area.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV
Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression path.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,120 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,983 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,820 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,638 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,860 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $29,310 in Charleston, WV aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Charleston is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
7.21
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Charleston, WV has 0.77x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.77, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent presence of these roles, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,210↓ 0% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,940↓ 5% | 46 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,260↓ 4% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Charleston, WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV is $29,310. This typically ranges from $21,120 for entry-level positions to $36,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 22.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,310 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($29,210) and Beckley, WV.
How does the Charleston, WV Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV is $29,310, which is approximately 22% lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston, WV?
Charleston, WV has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means everyday expenses are neither cheaper nor more expensive than the typical US city.
How many Cooks, Restaurant jobs are there in Charleston, WV?
There are approximately 7.21 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV, with a total local workforce of 770 individuals in this role.
Does experience impact salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston, WV?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills will earn more than entry-level cooks in Charleston, WV.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 7.21 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV