In the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,520. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where economic factors and industry concentration often influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape and demand within this area shape the prevailing wage for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,150.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 12,230 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 84.867, the sector demonstrates a steady presence. The location quotient of 0.96 suggests that employment in this field is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.7%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,377
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual salary increases across most sectors, including food service.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,390 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,180 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,650 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,150 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,520 in Northern West Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
12,230
Total Jobs
84.867
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.96x 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.
The location quotient of 0.96 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern West Virginia indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the industry is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented compared to national employment patterns, implying a balanced level of competition and availability for these roles.
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↑ 36% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↑ 26% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,840↑ 19% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,360↑ 24% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,990↑ 16% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $28,520. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $38,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $28,520 is notably below the national average, although this is balanced by a cost of living that matches the national index.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($38,680) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern West Virginia is $28,520, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Northern West Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation job market in this region?
The job market is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a location quotient of 0.96, indicating a stable presence of these roles.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
There are 12,230 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,230 employees in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 84.867 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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area