Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Localized pay rates are often influenced by factors such as the cost of living, industry concentration, and the overall economic vitality of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,430.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, with a total workforce of 710, indicates a stable presence within the local economy. A Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, implying a consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. The rate of 9.496 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the presence of this occupation within the regional employment structure.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-22.7%below the national average.
$14
$561
$2,430
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry roles, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and retain a skilled workforce.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
The salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| 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) | $21,870 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,130 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,450 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,430 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $29,160 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is precisely the national average), the nominal income for a Cook in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services locally does not present an additional financial strain relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
9.496
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.01 for Cooks, Restaurant in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand for cooks in this region is neither exceptionally high nor exceptionally low compared to the rest of the country, implying a balanced and stable employment environment for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 29% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,530↑ 25% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↑ 19% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 22% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↑ 17% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $29,160. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $37,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 22.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants based on average earnings.The average salary of $29,160 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, indicating less competitive pay. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained locally.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,640) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Southern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area is $29,160, which is substantially lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.01, indicating that the presence of Cooks roles in this region is very similar to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the $29,160 salary has the same relative purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 710 Cooks employed in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.496 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area