SalaryNode

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

In Richmond, VA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $35,890. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $35,960, indicating a stable compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Richmond's vibrant culinary scene likely contribute to this parity.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,660.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 53,100 individuals in this sector, Richmond demonstrates a significant presence in food preparation and serving roles. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers points to a robust and active job market with consistent opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,890

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Richmond, VA earns-0.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.3

Weekly

$690

Monthly

$2,991

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

Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is often marked by increasing responsibility and, consequently, higher earnings. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower salary percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies a clear path for career advancement and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,190$13.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,918$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,710$15.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,863$21.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$48,660$23.4

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,890

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,890 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a food preparation professional's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

53,100

Total Jobs

81.331

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.92x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are present in Richmond at a rate very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where demand is consistent with the overall U.S. landscape, offering a good balance for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Richmond, VA is $35,890. This typically ranges from $27,190 for entry-level positions to $48,660 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 0.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.

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

No, but it is competitive.The average salary is nearly identical to the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating fair compensation relative to expenses.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

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

What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Richmond, VA?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Richmond, VA is $35,890.

How does Richmond's salary compare to the national average?

Richmond's average salary of $35,890 is very close to the national average of $35,960, showing minimal difference.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Richmond compared to the nation?

Richmond has a Location Quotient of 0.92 for these occupations, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average but still significant.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 53,100 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 81.331 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.