Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Virginia
In Virginia, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $37,160. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a modest premium for these roles within the state. Factors such as regional demand, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic landscape of Virginia likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,490.
- Outlook: Virginia boasts a substantial workforce of 340,370 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, representing 83.74 jobs per 1,000 workers. While the location quotient of 0.95 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of employment indicates a robust and active job market for these essential roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia earns+3.3%above the national average.
$17.9
$715
$3,097
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Virginia
Within Virginia's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector, salary progression is closely tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain experience and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,030 | $13 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,710 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,450 | $22.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,490 | $26.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,647
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $37,160 in Virginia aligns closely with its Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly above the national average, the cost of living is also marginally higher than the national benchmark. Consequently, the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable when compared to the national average, suggesting that the higher pay effectively offsets the slightly increased expenses.
Job Market Context
340,370
Total Jobs
83.74
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.95x 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 0.95, the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Virginia is just shy of the national average. This suggests that while these roles are prevalent and essential to the state's economy, the market is not disproportionately saturated compared to other regions. It indicates a balanced job market where opportunities exist without extreme competition or scarcity.
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↑ 4% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↓ 3% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,840↓ 9% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,360↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,990↓ 11% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia is $37,160. This typically ranges from $27,030 for entry-level positions to $54,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 3.3% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Virginia offers slightly above-average compensation for these roles.The average annual salary of $37,160 in Virginia is higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that is only slightly above the national average, this makes Virginia a reasonably lucrative state for these occupations.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($38,680) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's average salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
Virginia's average annual salary for these occupations is $37,160, which is $1,200 higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the job density for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia?
There are 83.74 jobs per 1,000 workers in Virginia for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a significant presence in the state's labor market.
Is the cost of living in Virginia high for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations professionals?
Virginia's Cost of Living Index is 101.4, which is slightly above the national average of 100. This means expenses are marginally higher than the national benchmark.
How does Virginia's job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compare to the national concentration?
Virginia's Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced rather than overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340,370 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 83.74 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 Virginia