SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Charlottesville, VA

Cooks in Charlottesville, VA, earn an average annual salary of $37,640. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $37,700, indicating a stable pay scale across the country for this role. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Charlottesville's culinary scene likely contribute to this alignment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,900.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,370 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.29, Charlottesville demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market for cooks, implying consistent demand and opportunities within the area's food service industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,640

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Charlottesville, VA earns-0.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.1

Weekly

$724

Monthly

$3,137

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA

Salary progression for Cooks in Charlottesville, VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,020$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,230$13.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,730$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,050$22.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,900$22.1

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $37,640 in Charlottesville, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Charlottesville is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.

Job Market Context

1,370

Total Jobs

12.18

Per 1K Jobs

1.29

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.29, Charlottesville, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.29 for Cooks, Restaurant in Charlottesville signifies that this profession is 29% more concentrated in the area than the national average. This indicates a higher demand or a larger pool of available talent relative to other occupations, suggesting a competitive yet potentially abundant job market for culinary professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Charlottesville, VA?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Charlottesville, VA is $37,640. This typically ranges from $29,020 for entry-level positions to $45,900 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 0.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the national average.Cooks in Charlottesville earn an average salary nearly identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating stable earning potential.

Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($35,550) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Charlottesville, VA?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Charlottesville, VA is $37,640.

How does Charlottesville's salary for Cooks compare to the national average?

The average salary in Charlottesville ($37,640) is very close to the national average ($37,700), indicating comparable pay.

Is the job market for Cooks strong in Charlottesville, VA?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.29, the concentration of Cooks is higher than the national average, suggesting a robust job market.

How does the cost of living in Charlottesville affect a Cook's salary?

Charlottesville's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, meaning the $37,640 salary has typical purchasing power.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 12.18 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.