Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Cooks in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's culinary sector. The cost of living in Huntington-Ashland aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,700.
- Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland area supports a dedicated workforce of 1,160 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 8.265 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary talent within the region's hospitality industry.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-22.5%below the national average.
$14
$562
$2,434
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Huntington-Ashland is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant professionals have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by an increasing cost of living and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff across various dining establishments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles in Huntington-Ashland typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,560 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,908 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,513 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,700 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,210 in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for this profession, the local cost of goods and services is also at the national benchmark, suggesting that the real purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
8.265
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 0.88x 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 0.88, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Huntington-Ashland is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, it is not a dominant industry sector compared to other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,310↑ 0% | 44 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,260↓ 3% | 76 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,940↓ 4% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $29,210. This typically ranges from $21,560 for entry-level positions to $36,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 22.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,210 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($29,310) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
With 8.265 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Cook, Restaurant positions in Huntington-Ashland is slightly below the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.88.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in Huntington-Ashland?
The Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area employs a total of 1,160 individuals in the Cooks, Restaurant profession.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in this area?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career ladder.
How does the cost of living affect the $29,210 salary?
Since the cost of living index is 100 (national average), the $29,210 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal wage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 8.265 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH