In the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $35,100. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions influence compensation in this vibrant coastal region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,470.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is substantial, employing approximately 74,840 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for food service professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-2.4%below the national average.
$16.9
$675
$2,925
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 the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and evolving wage standards likely contribute to a positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might hover around the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and managers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these salary brackets signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,710 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,325 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,960 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,875 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,470 | $23.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,100 in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in this region is equivalent to that of their national counterparts, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.
Job Market Context
74,840
Total Jobs
99.145
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC signifies a market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and perhaps even a bit more pronounced locally, the job market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,890↑ 2% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $35,100. This typically ranges from $26,710 for entry-level positions to $48,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 2.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.While the average salary of $35,100 is slightly below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power. The market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, suggesting steady demand.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($35,890) and others.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $35,100.
How does the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC ($35,100) is slightly lower than the national average ($35,960).
What is the Cost of Living in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
This area has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs, with a Location Quotient of 1.12, indicating a robust local market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 74,840 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 99.145 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- All Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
- Browse All Jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC