Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,630. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The local market's unique characteristics influence compensation levels for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,720.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Virginia appears stable, with a total local workforce of 720 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for culinary talent in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-5.5%below the national average.
$17.1
$685
$2,969
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in nonmetropolitan areas like Northwest Virginia have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,900 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,723 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,770 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,538 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,720 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,630 in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
10.941
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.16, Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area shows a concentration of restaurant cook positions that is 16% higher than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers may find a slightly more abundant pool of candidates relative to other regions, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 6% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,530↑ 3% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↓ 0% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↓ 4% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $35,630. This typically ranges from $27,900 for entry-level positions to $44,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 5.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but offers average purchasing power.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, resulting in comparable real wages.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,640) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability for cooks?
A local workforce of 720 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not a major metropolitan hub, it indicates a consistent need for restaurant cooks within the community.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.16 mean for restaurant cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.16 signifies that restaurant cooks are slightly more concentrated in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area than the national average, implying a steady demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living impact the $35,630 salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the $35,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial standing relative to national standards.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for cooks in this area?
Yes, as with most culinary roles, experience plays a crucial part in salary. Senior cooks or those with specialized skills can expect to earn more than entry-level positions, reflecting a clear career growth path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.941 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 Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area