In the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,680. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local labor market. The lower average salary is often influenced by the cost of living and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,690.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 9,570 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The presence of over 81 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-9.1%below the national average.
$15.7
$628
$2,723
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and efforts to attract and retain staff in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest 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 experienced cooks, supervisors, and managers command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the opportunities for advancement and the rewards associated with gaining specialized skills and taking on greater responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,000 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,510 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,760 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,850 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,690 | $21.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,680 in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the region's overall affordability a key factor for residents.
Job Market Context
9,570
Total Jobs
81.286
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.92 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates that the industry is present at a level very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the national distribution, neither overly saturated nor significantly lacking in opportunities.
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↑ 18% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↑ 10% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,840↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,360↑ 8% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,990↑ 1% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $32,680. This typically ranges from $26,000 for entry-level positions to $44,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 9.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for these roles is below the national benchmark. This suggests that earning potential in this specific sector is somewhat limited in this region.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($38,680) and Richmond, VA.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Virginia?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $32,680.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $32,680 is lower than the national average of $35,960 for these occupations.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.92, which is slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,570 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 81.286 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 Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area