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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Virginia

Cooks in restaurants across Virginia earn an average annual salary of $37,840. This figure is slightly above the national average of $37,700, indicating a stable demand for culinary professionals within the state. Factors such as the state's vibrant tourism industry and a growing restaurant scene contribute to this competitive compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,080.
  • Outlook: Virginia boasts a substantial workforce of 41,010 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the concentration of these roles in Virginia is slightly higher than the national average. This suggests a robust job market with a steady demand for skilled cooks, reflecting the state's significant presence in the food service sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,840

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia earns+0.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.2

Weekly

$728

Monthly

$3,153

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Virginia

The salary trajectory for Cooks in Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,380$13.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,380$13.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,580$17.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,300$22.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,080$22.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,318

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average annual salary of $37,840 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the cost of living is just slightly above the national average, the salary offers a comparable purchasing power. Potential movers can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses without significant strain, though careful budgeting is always advised.

Job Market Context

41,010

Total Jobs

10.091

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant roles are 7% more concentrated in Virginia than the national average. This indicates a healthy and slightly more abundant job market for these professionals compared to other states. While not an extremely high concentration, it suggests a stable demand and a good number of opportunities available for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Charlottesville, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,640↓ 1%25 mi
Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,530↓ 3%41 mi
Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,830↓ 8%56 mi
Harrisonburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,490↓ 6%60 mi
Lynchburg, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,030↓ 10%61 mi

Comparing salaries near Virginia

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia is $37,840. This typically ranges from $28,380 for entry-level positions to $46,080 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia is 0.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Virginia offers a slightly above-average earning potential for Cooks.The average salary of $37,840 slightly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is only marginally higher, making it a financially stable location for culinary professionals.

Is Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,640) and Richmond, VA.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Virginia?

The average annual salary for a Cook in Virginia is $37,840.

How does Virginia's cost of living compare to the national average?

Virginia's cost of living index is 101.4, which is slightly above the national average of 100.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Virginia?

With a Location Quotient of 1.07 and a large workforce, there is a steady and slightly above-average demand for Cooks in Virginia.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Virginia?

Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting clear career progression opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 41,010 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 10.091 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia