Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and cost of living in this nonmetropolitan region directly influence the compensation offered to restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,250.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,160 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.85, the job market for Cooks in Northern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, presence compared to the national average. The presence of 8.025 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, ongoing need for culinary professionals, though the market is not experiencing exceptionally high demand that would drive significant wage inflation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-26.6%below the national average.
$13.3
$532
$2,305
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks in nonmetropolitan areas like Northern West Virginia have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a gradual rise in consumer spending on dining out, even in less urbanized settings.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks in Northern West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, potentially around the 25th percentile, while highly experienced chefs or kitchen managers could command salaries closer to the 75th percentile or higher. The gap between these percentiles signifies the career advancement opportunities available through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,745 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,575 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,660 in Northern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may seem lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
8.025
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.85x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.85 for Cooks in Northern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated with culinary talent as in major metropolitan hubs, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 36% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,530↑ 32% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↑ 26% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 28% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↑ 23% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $27,660. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $35,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 26.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $27,660 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,640) and Richmond, VA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Northern West Virginia?
The average annual salary for a Cook in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $27,660.
How does the Northern West Virginia Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Northern West Virginia ($27,660) is considerably lower than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks.
What is the Cost of Living in Northern West Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index for Northern West Virginia is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks in this region?
The job market for Cooks in this region is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.85.
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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.025 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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area