Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,050. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where labor costs and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's hospitality sector play a crucial role in shaping these compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,600.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 810 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.73 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not oversaturated demand within the region's specific economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-7.0%below the national average.
$16.9
$674
$2,921
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Southwest Virginia have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals, and the rising cost of living, which often necessitates upward adjustments in wages to attract and retain talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks in Southwest Virginia typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the local culinary scene.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,810 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,288 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,670 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,813 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,600 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $35,050 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal salary in Southwest Virginia for Cooks holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also on par, suggesting that the take-home pay will likely cover living expenses at a comparable rate to national standards.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
6.88
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.73 for Cooks in Southwest Virginia indicates that this profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for culinary professionals, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the workforce or seeking employment. The job market is neither overly competitive nor exceptionally abundant, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 7% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,530↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,830↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 1% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↓ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $35,050. This typically ranges from $27,810 for entry-level positions to $44,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 7.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $35,050 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a standard, rather than lucrative, earning potential for the role in this region.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,640) and Richmond, VA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.88 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Cook positions compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate demand for these roles within the local economy.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in this area?
An LQ of 0.73 means that Cooks are 27% less concentrated in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This implies that while the profession exists, it's not as dominant a sector compared to other regions.
How does the total local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 810 Cooks indicates a substantial, established presence of this profession within the region, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Are there significant salary differences based on specific types of restaurants?
While this data represents an average, salary variations can occur based on the type of establishment (e.g., fine dining vs. fast-casual), the specific responsibilities, and the employer's pay scale within Southwest Virginia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.88 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area