Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA
Cooks in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA area earn an average annual salary of $34,830. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating localized economic factors and demand dynamics are influencing compensation within this specific Virginia region. The cost of living in Staunton-Stuarts Draft aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower, the purchasing power remains consistent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,250.
- Outlook: The Staunton-Stuarts Draft area supports a local workforce of approximately 500 individuals in restaurant cook roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals in this market. The presence of nearly 10 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the consistent need for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA earns-7.6%below the national average.
$16.8
$670
$2,903
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Staunton-Stuarts Draft is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have experienced modest growth, mirroring national trends. Inflationary pressures and a general increase in demand for dining services likely contributed to incremental salary adjustments, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and retain talent within the local hospitality sector.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight distinct career advancement opportunities, rewarding those who develop specialized skills and demonstrate consistent performance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,200 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,123 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,530 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,538 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,250 | $20.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $34,830 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA, translates directly to national average purchasing power. This means that while the salary is below the national average for the role, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for cooks considering relocation to this area.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
9.991
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.06 for Cooks, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft signifies a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is consistent with, or slightly exceeds, the supply of qualified individuals. Employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain skilled culinary talent within this localized job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,490↑ 2% | 22 mi |
| Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,640↑ 8% | 32 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,030↓ 2% | 53 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,550↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,660↓ 21% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is $34,830. This typically ranges from $28,200 for entry-level positions to $42,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 7.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurant?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,830 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisonburg, VA ($35,490) and Charlottesville, VA.
What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is $34,830.
How does the Staunton-Stuarts Draft salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Staunton-Stuarts Draft ($34,830) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
The Cost of Living Index in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 100, which is the same as the national average.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant concentrated in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs in Staunton-Stuarts Draft compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA area with a job density of 9.991 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 Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA