Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
Cooks in Harrisonburg, VA, earn an average annual salary of $35,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and the cost of living in Harrisonburg play a significant role in compensation for this vital role. Understanding these local factors is key to assessing earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 Cooks, Restaurant, Harrisonburg presents a notable concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.29. This suggests that the demand for cooks in Harrisonburg is higher relative to the national average, implying a stable job market for those in the culinary field within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA earns-5.9%below the national average.
$17.1
$683
$2,958
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demand within the local hospitality sector likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
The salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. This progression reflects the value placed on expertise and tenure within the culinary industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,650 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,618 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,170 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,363 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,910 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
A nominal salary of $35,490 in Harrisonburg, VA, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Harrisonburg is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
12.144
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Harrisonburg, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.29 for Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg signifies a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Harrisonburg is relatively more robust or specialized in its demand for culinary professionals compared to other regions, potentially offering more opportunities or a more competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↓ 2% | 22 mi |
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,550↑ 0% | 60 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,660↓ 22% | 60 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,050↓ 1% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA is $35,490. This typically ranges from $27,650 for entry-level positions to $43,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 5.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the salary is $35,490, it falls slightly below the national average of $37,700, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($34,830) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does Harrisonburg's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA, is $35,490, which is approximately $2,210 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job market like for cooks in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.29, suggesting a relatively strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the cook salary in Harrisonburg?
The cost of living in Harrisonburg is at the national average (100), meaning the $35,490 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being significantly boosted or hindered by local expenses.
How many cooks are employed in Harrisonburg, VA?
There are approximately 790 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Harrisonburg, VA, representing about 12.144 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 12.144 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 Harrisonburg, VA