Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Roanoke, VA
Cooks in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $33,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. While the cost of living in Roanoke is on par with the national average, the salary reflects specific regional economic factors impacting the food service industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,110.
- Outlook: Roanoke, VA, supports a local workforce of 1,630 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a substantial presence within the community. The Location Quotient of 1.14 signifies a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, demand for culinary professionals in the area. This concentration implies that the job market is robust enough to absorb the existing workforce, offering consistent opportunities for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Roanoke, VA earns-11.2%below the national average.
$16.1
$644
$2,791
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive salary increases for most professions, including restaurant cooks. Therefore, it's probable that cooks in Roanoke have experienced modest salary growth over the last four years, aligning with broader economic recovery and industry adjustments.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Salary progression for Cooks in Roanoke, VA, typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized culinary talents can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior cooks and head chefs occupying the higher salary brackets, reflecting their increased responsibilities and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,900 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,118 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,670 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,863 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,110 | $19.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,490 for Cooks in Roanoke, VA, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is below the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living ensures that the take-home pay maintains its relative value within the Roanoke economic landscape.
Job Market Context
1,630
Total Jobs
10.733
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Roanoke, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, Roanoke, VA, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present and slightly more pronounced than in other regions. While not indicative of an oversaturated market, it implies that employers may have a steady pool of candidates, potentially influencing negotiation power for both employers and employees.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,010↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↑ 2% | 43 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,940↓ 17% | 76 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↑ 4% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Roanoke, VA is $33,490. This typically ranges from $26,900 for entry-level positions to $40,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 11.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Roanoke, VA, is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific market.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($34,010) and Lynchburg, VA.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Roanoke, VA?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Roanoke, VA is $33,490.
How does Roanoke's cost of living compare to the national average?
Roanoke, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Roanoke, VA?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration and thus stable demand for Cooks in Roanoke compared to the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in Roanoke, VA?
There are approximately 1,630 Cooks employed in Roanoke, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,630 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 10.733 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 Roanoke, VA