SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Charlottesville, VA

In Charlottesville, VA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $38,680. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as the local economic landscape and demand within the hospitality sector likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,460.
  • Outlook: Charlottesville boasts a robust employment base for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with a total local workforce of 11,100 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.11 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is 11% higher than the national average, signaling a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled workers in this sector within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,680

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlottesville, VA earns+7.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.6

Weekly

$744

Monthly

$3,223

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlottesville offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available, rewarding experience and dedication.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,980$13.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,010$13.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,820$16.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,350$23.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$56,460$27.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Charlottesville, the nominal average salary of $38,680 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is on par with the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Charlottesville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.

Job Market Context

11,100

Total Jobs

98.343

Per 1K Jobs

1.11

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.11, Charlottesville, 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 1.11, Charlottesville demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these roles, where demand is robust enough to support a workforce slightly more specialized than the typical U.S. metropolitan area.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Charlottesville, VA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlottesville, VA is $38,680. This typically ranges from $27,980 for entry-level positions to $56,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 7.6% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, Charlottesville offers a slightly above-average earning potential for these roles.The average salary of $38,680 in Charlottesville exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially stable location for food preparation professionals.

Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($33,320) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlottesville, VA?

There are approximately 11,100 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within Charlottesville, VA.

What is the average hourly wage for these roles in Charlottesville?

Based on the average annual salary of $38,680 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate average hourly wage is $18.59.

How does Charlottesville's job market compare to the national average for this occupation?

Charlottesville's job market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 1.11, indicating a bit more demand relative to the national average.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience level in Charlottesville?

Yes, like most markets, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,100 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 98.343 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.