In the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor market dynamics of this region. Local factors such as industry concentration and regional demand play a significant role in shaping compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,740.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 6,820 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.04, the job market in Southern West Virginia indicates a stable, slightly above-average concentration of these roles compared to the national standard. This suggests a consistent demand for food service professionals, underpinning the robustness of employment opportunities within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.4%below the national average.
$13.8
$550
$2,385
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend is likely reflected in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, suggesting a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the lower end for beginners to the higher end for experienced professionals, signify substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,770 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,465 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,090 | $12.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,775 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,740 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,620 in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at par with the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
6,820
Total Jobs
91.449
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.04 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southern West Virginia indicates that this sector is slightly more concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, presence of these jobs, implying a competitive yet accessible market for job seekers and employers alike.
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↑ 35% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↑ 25% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,840↑ 18% | 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↑ 15% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $28,620. This typically ranges from $20,770 for entry-level positions to $39,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered highly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,620 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern 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 Southern West Virginia is $28,620, which is below the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.04, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Southern West Virginia compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average nationally, meaning the $28,620 salary has average purchasing power despite being below the national salary average.
What is the total number of workers in this field locally?
There are 6,820 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Southern 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 6,820 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 91.449 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area