Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wheeling, WV-OH
Cooks in the Wheeling, WV-OH area earn an average annual salary of $29,890, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, including the local demand for culinary services and the overall cost of labor within the specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,130.
- Outlook: The Wheeling, WV-OH area supports a local workforce of 670 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.2, the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wheeling, WV-OH earns-20.7%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,491
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Wheeling, WV-OH have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This gradual increase would aim to keep pace with rising operational costs for restaurants and the evolving expectations of skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wheeling, WV-OH
The career trajectory for a Cook, Restaurant typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise in kitchen management and culinary artistry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,740 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,418 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,420 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,363 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Wheeling, WV-OH is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $29,890 for Cooks will have purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
11.323
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Wheeling, WV-OH has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates that Wheeling, WV-OH has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may have a slightly easier time finding qualified candidates, but skilled individuals can still find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,880↓ 0% | 24 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,770↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Canton-Massillon, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,440↑ 9% | 62 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,900↑ 3% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wheeling, WV-OH
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wheeling, WV-OH?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wheeling, WV-OH is $29,890. This typically ranges from $21,740 for entry-level positions to $37,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wheeling, WV-OH is 20.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wheeling, WV-OH a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,890 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Wheeling, WV-OH a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wheeling, WV-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wheeling, WV-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($29,880) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Wheeling, WV-OH has 11.323 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a decent local demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Wheeling?
An LQ of 1.2 means that Cooks, Restaurant jobs are 20% more concentrated in Wheeling, WV-OH than the national average, suggesting a slightly stronger local industry presence.
How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Wheeling?
As with most roles, experience significantly boosts a Cook's earning potential in Wheeling, with senior positions commanding higher salaries than entry-level roles.
Is the cost of living in Wheeling higher or lower than the national average?
The cost of living in Wheeling, WV-OH is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Wheeling, WV-OH area with a job density of 11.323 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 Wheeling, WV-OH