Virginia ranks 24th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $21,420 — a 36% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,570 to $81,730 — a $38,160 spread, 36% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Virginia employs roughly 2.1% of all chefs and head cooks in the country (3,900 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,570 | $20.95 |
| 25th percentile | $49,130 | $23.62 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,780 | $28.74 |
| 75th percentile | $71,700 | $34.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,730 | $39.29 |
| Mean (average) | $62,120 | $29.86 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $59,780 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +36% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +32% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +28% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +19% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +17% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +17% |
| California | $66,780 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Sales Agents | $59,570 | 14,090 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $59,560 | 13,190 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $59,420 | 1,550 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $60,200 | 1,980 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $60,210 | 13,440 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $60,280 | 8,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Virginia?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Virginia is $62,120 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,780 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Virginia?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $43,570 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $49,130 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $81,730 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $71,700 per year.
How does the Virginia Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Virginia is $59,780, which is -2% below national average of $60,990.