📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Restaurant Cook Salary in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia · 22.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$29,858
per year
Median
$27,518
per year
Hourly
$14.35
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$20,225
25th Percentile — Junior$25,373
50th Percentile — Median$27,518
75th Percentile — Senior$36,956
90th Percentile — Top Earners$41,104
💡 Top-earning Restaurant Cooks in West Virginia make up to $41,104 per year. The job market in West Virginia is rated low, with key industries including Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$25.8k
2021
$26.5k
2022
$27.3k
2023
$28.1k
2024
$29.0k
2025
$29.9k
2026
📈 Restaurant Cook salaries in West Virginia have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in West Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Restaurant Cook Salary by City in West Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $29,858 +0% High
🔍
Restaurant Cook Job Market in West Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

West Virginia is home to a low job market for Restaurant Cooks. The state's key industries — Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $29,858 per year, West Virginia's Restaurant Cook salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in West Virginia (index: 0.78) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in West Virginia can expect to earn $20,225–$25,373, while experienced Restaurant Cooks can command $36,956–$41,104.

Looking ahead, the Restaurant Cook profession in West Virginia is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Restaurant Cook salary in West Virginia is $29,858 per year in 2026, which is 22.0% below the national average of $38,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Restaurant Cooks the highest wages in West Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • West Virginia has a low job market with major industries in Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Restaurant Cook employment.
  • At $29,858/year, West Virginia Restaurant Cook salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average of $38,280/year.