Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Southwest Virginia

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $52,430 -14% vs national
Median hourly $25.21
10th percentile $35,130
90th percentile $81,930
Employed locally 80
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Southwest Virginia
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,130
    25th
    $42,580
    50th (median)
    $52,430
    75th
    $71,000
    90th
    $81,930

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in Southwest Virginia

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,270
    Waiters and Waitresses $30,250
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,990
    Cooks, Restaurant $35,670
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $29,510
    Cooks, Fast Food $29,110

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Southwest Virginia?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Virginia is $25.21, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.39 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest Virginia above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Southwest Virginia is 14% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest Virginia?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $35,130 per year in Southwest Virginia. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $42,580.