📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$39,908
per year
Median
$36,608
per year
Hourly
$19.19
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$28,248
25th Percentile — Junior$34,408
50th Percentile — Median$36,608
75th Percentile — Senior$48,268
90th Percentile — Top Earners$52,907
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in Virginia make up to $52,907 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$35.3k
2021
$36.2k
2022
$37.1k
2023
$38.0k
2024
$38.9k
2025
$39.9k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $41,903 +5.0% High
Richmond $40,706 +2.0% High
🔍
Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $39,908 per year, Virginia's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $28,248–$34,408, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $48,268–$52,907.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in Virginia is $39,908 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $39,908/year, Virginia Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $36,280/year.