Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Virginia
Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias in West Virginia make a median of $28,790 a year, or about $13.84 an hour. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $39K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across West Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $29K get you in West Virginia?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, West Virginia
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $29K. Top earners bring in $39K or more, a $16K spread from bottom to top.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary by metro in West Virginia
7 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgantown | $30K | +3% | 330 |
| Wheeling | $29K | +1% | 300 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $29K | +1% | 260 |
| Charleston | $29K | -1% | 700 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $29K | -1% | 1,010 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $29K | -1% | 180 |
| Beckley | $28K | -2% | 240 |
Compare to other states
Track cooks, institution and cafeteria salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when West Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do cooks, institution and cafeterias make in West Virginia?
The median is $28,790 a year, that works out to about $14 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $23,000, and experienced cooks, institution and cafeterias can clear $38,800. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $29K enough to live in West Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,027/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,008/month, which eats 49.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a cooks, institution and cafeteria salary go in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary is worth about $32,337 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do cooks, institution and cafeterias get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.