Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Cooks in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an average annual salary of $35,670. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions may influence overall compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,560.
- Outlook: The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 8,510 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.2, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 20% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing job market for culinary professionals in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-5.4%below the national average.
$17.2
$686
$2,973
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled trades and service industry roles as demand fluctuates and cost of living adjustments are made.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC typically sees significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks or chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and leadership in the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,680 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,753 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,530 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,588 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,560 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,670 for Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering stability for those considering a move to the region.
Job Market Context
8,510
Total Jobs
11.269
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 for Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, potentially leading to more opportunities and a slightly more favorable environment for job seekers in this culinary sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,530↑ 2% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $35,670. This typically ranges from $27,680 for entry-level positions to $44,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 5.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is on par, and the job concentration is higher.The average salary of $35,670 is slightly lower than the national average, but the cost of living index of 100 indicates your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power. The higher location quotient suggests a strong presence of these roles.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($36,530) and others.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 11.269 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area has a slightly higher density of Cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a good availability of roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.2 means that Cooks, Restaurant are 20% more concentrated in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area than in the nation as a whole, suggesting a specialized demand for these professionals.
How does the salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in this region is $35,670, which is approximately $2,030 less than the national average of $37,700.
Does the cost of living affect the real value of a Cook's salary in Virginia Beach?
No, the cost of living index is exactly 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $35,670 salary has the same purchasing power in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC as the national average salary does across the U.S.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,510 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 11.269 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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC