In Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,550. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local market. The cost of living in this area aligns precisely with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable to other regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,640.
- Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford area supports a robust workforce of 6,840 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 91.892, this sector demonstrates a significant presence. The Location Quotient of 1.04 suggests that this occupation group is slightly more concentrated here than the national average, pointing to a stable and perhaps growing demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-6.7%below the national average.
$16.1
$645
$2,796
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and potential minimum wage adjustments likely contribute to a positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these essential roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While the average salary stands at $33,550, experienced professionals and those in supervisory or management capacities can command higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not explicitly detailed here, generally signify substantial opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and takes on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,470 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,163 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,950 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,938 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,640 | $22.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,550 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of this income is on par with the national standard. This means that the salary, while slightly below the national average, offers a comparable lifestyle in terms of everyday expenses when compared to the average U.S. location.
Job Market Context
6,840
Total Jobs
91.892
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a slightly higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the country. While not a dramatic overrepresentation, it suggests a healthy and stable job market for these roles, with demand being at least as strong as, if not slightly stronger than, the national benchmark.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,120↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| Beckley, WV Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,750↓ 14% | 57 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,990↓ 2% | 69 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,680↓ 9% | 79 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,870↓ 8% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $33,550. This typically ranges from $25,470 for entry-level positions to $46,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 6.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary of $33,550 is slightly below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. The market shows a slight concentration of these roles, indicating stable demand rather than exceptional earning potential.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($34,120) and Beckley, WV.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $33,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
These occupations are slightly more concentrated in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, with a Location Quotient of 1.04, indicating a presence that is marginally higher than the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these roles locally?
There are approximately 6,840 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,840 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 91.892 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA