Restaurant Cook Salary in West Virginia
Based on 6K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$29,590
$14.23/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-21.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$22K – $38K
6K employed in West Virginia
The median Restaurant Cook salary in West Virginia is approximately $29,590 per year, which translates to about $14 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, sitting 21.5% below it. Currently, around 6,450 individuals are employed in this role across the state.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in West Virginia. These can include the specific type of establishment, the cook's level of experience, their skills, and the geographic location within the state. Higher-demand areas or establishments offering specialized cuisine might offer slightly more competitive compensation within the $22,180 to $38,010 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,180 |
| 25th percentile | $26,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $29,590 |
| 75th percentile | $35,170 |
| 90th percentile | $38,010 |
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 West 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 West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,478 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $29,590 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $30,478 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $26,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $29,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $38,010 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Restaurant Cook ($29,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in WV | $35,380 | +19.6% | $17.01/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in WV | $26,070 | -11.9% | $12.53/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in WV | $28,950 | -2.2% | $13.92/hr |
| Security Guard in WV | $28,800 | -2.7% | $13.85/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WV | $28,670 | -3.1% | $13.78/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in WV | $28,010 | -5.3% | $13.47/hr |
| Receptionist in WV | $31,920 | +7.9% | $15.35/hr |
| Cashier in WV | $26,370 | -10.9% | $12.68/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in WV | $34,510 | +16.6% | $16.59/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in WV | $36,720 | +24.1% | $17.65/hr |
| Medical Assistant in WV | $37,180 | +25.7% | $17.88/hr |
| Firefighter in WV | $37,350 | +26.2% | $17.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in West Virginia?
- The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in West Virginia is $29,590 annually, or roughly $14 per hour. This indicates that half of all cooks in the state earn above this amount, and half earn below.
What is the salary range for Restaurant Cooks in West Virginia?
- The salary range for Restaurant Cooks in West Virginia typically falls between $22,180 on the lower end and $38,010 on the higher end. This means many cooks can expect to earn within these figures based on their specific circumstances.
How does the West Virginia Restaurant Cook salary compare to the national average?
- Restaurant Cooks in West Virginia earn significantly less than the national average, with their median salary being 21.5% lower. This means the average pay in West Virginia is considerably below what cooks earn across the rest of the country.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 6,450 individuals employed as Restaurant Cooks throughout West Virginia. This number reflects the current demand for culinary professionals in the state's food service industry.