Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Morgantown, WV
Cooks in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $29,930, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary services within Morgantown, and the overall cost of doing business in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 750 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.19, Morgantown exhibits a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, if not growing, demand for culinary professionals within the city, indicating a moderately robust job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Morgantown, WV earns-20.6%below the national average.
$14.4
$576
$2,494
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Morgantown, like most professions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and evolving industry standards.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Morgantown typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as Sous Chef or Head Cook. Salary increases are directly tied to experience, skill development, and the assumption of greater responsibility, with significant percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,650 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,448 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,413 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,470 | $17.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,930 in Morgantown aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Morgantown is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
11.229
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Morgantown, WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates that Morgantown has a slightly higher proportion of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and potentially a competitive market for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,890↓ 0% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,770↑ 9% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,880↓ 0% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,230↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,260↓ 6% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Morgantown, WV is $29,930. This typically ranges from $21,650 for entry-level positions to $36,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 20.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant is significantly below the national benchmark, suggesting less financial reward in this specific role.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($29,890) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Morgantown is $29,930, which is substantially lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Morgantown?
A Location Quotient of 1.19 suggests that Morgantown has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita than the national average, indicating a moderately strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Cook's salary in Morgantown?
No, the cost of living in Morgantown is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the lower nominal salary of $29,930 has an equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in Morgantown?
There are approximately 750 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Morgantown, WV area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 11.229 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 Morgantown, WV