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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in West Virginia

Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $27,380, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for culinary services and the prevailing wage scales within the state's specific job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,060.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 670 Cooks, Short Order, and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in West Virginia is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,380

The average Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia earns-23.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.2

Weekly

$527

Monthly

$2,282

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in West Virginia

Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,140$9.7
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,535$9.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,480$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,225$16.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,060$16.9

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,938

Adjusted for COL (88.5)

The average annual salary of $27,380 in West Virginia is significantly enhanced by the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia likely offers a greater purchasing power locally compared to higher-paying states with a much higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

0.955

Per 1K Jobs

0.98

Location Quotient

Below Average

West Virginia has 0.98x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order 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 0.98 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs in West Virginia is nearly identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions is proportionate to the overall workforce, implying moderate competition and steady employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

CitySalaryDist.
Beckley, WV Cooks, Short Order Salary$27,630↑ 1%50 mi
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Cooks, Short Order Salary$26,820↓ 2%80 mi
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Cooks, Short Order Salary$33,310↑ 22%92 mi

Comparing salaries near West Virginia

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia is $27,380. This typically ranges from $20,140 for entry-level positions to $35,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 23.2% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $27,380 is below the national average, West Virginia's lower cost of living (88.5) means your earnings can stretch further locally.

Is West Virginia a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

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 Beckley, WV ($27,630) and Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

West Virginia has 0.955 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Short Order, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of employment density.

What is the total number of Cooks, Short Order in West Virginia?

There are approximately 670 Cooks, Short Order employed within the state of West Virginia.

Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in WV?

Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills or leadership experience can expect to earn considerably more than entry-level staff.

How does the job market for Cooks, Short Order compare to other states?

With a Location Quotient of 0.98, West Virginia's market for Cooks, Short Order is very similar in concentration to the national average, suggesting comparable demand relative to the workforce size.

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 West Virginia area with a job density of 0.955 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

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