In the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and market demand can influence compensation structures. Local economic factors and the specific needs of the regional food service industry play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,800.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 4,960 individuals. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. With 86.769 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector provides a solid employment base within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-5.1%below the national average.
$16.4
$657
$2,845
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for roles within this sector, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract qualified personnel.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay, though not detailed here, generally signify the difference between starting roles and those requiring extensive experience, culinary expertise, or management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,810 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,605 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,480 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,675 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,800 | $23 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,140 in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average for the occupation, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay should offer a similar standard of living to that found in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
4,960
Total Jobs
86.769
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.98x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.98, the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area exhibits a job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This indicates a balanced market where the number of available positions closely reflects the proportion of the workforce engaged in this field. It suggests a competitive but not oversaturated environment, with opportunities available for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,680↑ 13% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↑ 5% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,840↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,360↑ 4% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,990↓ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $34,140. This typically ranges from $25,810 for entry-level positions to $47,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 5.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,140 is slightly below the national average of $35,960, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. This suggests comparable earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($38,680) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 4,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a substantial segment of the regional economy is dedicated to this field, suggesting consistent job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.98 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.98 signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average, implying a stable and predictable job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $34,140 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,140 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many Food Preparation jobs per capita in this region?
Yes, with 86.769 jobs per 1,000 workers, the region has a healthy density of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles relative to its population.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,960 employees in the Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 86.769 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 Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area