Restaurant Cook Salary in Virginia
Based on 40K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$36,750
$17.67/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $46K
40K employed in Virginia
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Virginia is $36,750 annually, which translates to about $18 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Virginia's cooks earning approximately 2.5% less. Currently, over 40,000 individuals are employed in this culinary role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Virginia. These include the specific type of establishment, its location within the state (e.g., major city versus rural area), the cook's level of experience and culinary skills, and the overall demand for kitchen staff. Higher-end restaurants or those in high-cost-of-living areas may offer more competitive compensation.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,340 |
| 25th percentile | $33,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,750 |
| 75th percentile | $42,990 |
| 90th percentile | $45,740 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,853 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,750 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,853 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,740 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Restaurant Cook ($36,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in VA | $44,760 | +21.8% | $21.52/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in VA | $30,110 | -18.1% | $14.48/hr |
| Receptionist in VA | $37,060 | +0.8% | $17.82/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in VA | $36,380 | -1.0% | $17.49/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in VA | $34,240 | -6.8% | $16.46/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in VA | $42,730 | +16.3% | $20.54/hr |
| Cashier in VA | $30,580 | -16.8% | $14.70/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in VA | $30,300 | -17.6% | $14.57/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in VA | $43,200 | +17.6% | $20.77/hr |
| Construction Laborer in VA | $43,560 | +18.5% | $20.94/hr |
| Security Guard in VA | $43,640 | +18.7% | $20.98/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in VA | $44,610 | +21.4% | $21.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Virginia?
- In Virginia, the salary range for a Restaurant Cook typically falls between $29,340 and $45,740 per year. This means that while some cooks earn less, a significant portion can expect to make within this bracket annually.
How does the average Restaurant Cook pay in Virginia compare to the rest of the US?
- Restaurant Cooks in Virginia earn approximately 2.5% less than the national average. While the median salary is $36,750 per year, the national median is higher, reflecting a slightly lower earning potential in Virginia.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Virginia?
- The median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Virginia is around $18 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $36,750, offering a more granular view of compensation.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Virginia?
- There are a substantial number of culinary professionals working as Restaurant Cooks in Virginia, with a total of over 40,310 individuals employed. This indicates a significant presence of this role within the state's food service industry.