Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West Virginia
Cooks in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $29,410, which is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand for culinary professionals within its borders.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,030.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,370 individuals in this role, West Virginia demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of restaurant cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the general labor market without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia earns-22.0%below the national average.
$14.1
$566
$2,451
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a generally positive, albeit modest, trajectory for earnings in this profession within the state.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,190 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,058 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,560 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,763 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,030 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,232
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $29,410 in West Virginia presents a unique financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that while the nominal salary is lower, the purchasing power of that income may be relatively stronger within the state, potentially offsetting some of the difference compared to higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
6,370
Total Jobs
9.084
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 0.96x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.96 for Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia indicates that the employment concentration for this role is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the availability of cooks aligns reasonably well with the demand from local establishments, implying a competitive but accessible environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,310↓ 0% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,940↓ 5% | 50 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,260↓ 4% | 62 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,210↓ 1% | 80 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,010↑ 16% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia is $29,410. This typically ranges from $21,190 for entry-level positions to $37,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 22.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary of $29,410 is significantly below the national average of $37,700, indicating less earning potential in nominal terms.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($29,310) and Beckley, WV.
How does the cost of living affect cook salaries in West Virginia?
The lower cost of living in West Virginia (88.5 index) means that the average salary of $29,410 may offer better purchasing power locally than a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living state, though it remains below the national average income.
What is the job market like for cooks in West Virginia?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.96 suggesting a concentration of restaurant cook jobs close to the national average. There are approximately 9.084 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field.
How many restaurant cooks are there in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs a total of 6,370 individuals as Cooks, Restaurant, reflecting a significant segment of the state's food service workforce.
Can experience increase a cook's salary in West Virginia?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in West Virginia, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,370 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 9.084 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 West Virginia