Cook Salary in Suffolk, VA
Cooks in Suffolk, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $16.25 per hour, which translates to about $650.00 per week, $2,816.67 per month, and $33,800.00 per year.
The job market for Cooks in Suffolk is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Suffolk, VA?
The salary of a Cook in Suffolk varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings at different stages of a Cook's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.25 | $650.00 | $2,816.67 | $33,800.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,466.67 | $41,600.00 |
Do Cooks in Suffolk Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work happens behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their earnings come primarily from their wages or salary rather than tips.
Cook Salary in Suffolk vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of approximately $15.00 per hour, equating to about $31,200.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Suffolk earn slightly more at about $16.25 per hour and $33,800.00 per year.
This difference may reflect local demand, cost of living, and the culinary industry's growth in Suffolk.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Suffolk for Cooks
Nearby areas to Suffolk offer varying pay rates for Cooks:
- Downtown Suffolk: $17.50 per hour
- Harbour View: $18.00 per hour
Those willing to commute to Harbour View or Downtown Suffolk can find better pay compared to the average in Suffolk.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Suffolk?
Several factors significantly impact a Cook's salary in Suffolk:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced and skilled Cooks typically command higher wages due to their culinary expertise.
- Type of Establishment: Working in high-end restaurants or hotels usually offers better salaries compared to fast food or casual dining.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary certifications can boost employability and salary potential.
- Shift Timing: Night or weekend shifts may come with premium pay.
- Local Economic Conditions: The regional economy and demand for culinary professionals can influence wages.
How To Become a Cook in Suffolk
Becoming a Cook in Suffolk involves some key steps to build skills and credentials:
- Complete Culinary Training: Programs such as the Tidewater Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Attend Foundational Classes: The Suffolk Public Schools Adult Education Culinary Classes provide essential cooking skills and food safety education.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: Certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification ensure knowledge of critical food safety practices.
- Consider Professional Culinary Certification: The Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation recognizes professional competency and can enhance career prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Suffolk
The following employers in Suffolk frequently hire skilled Cooks:
- Cook Out Restaurants
- Lake Prince Woods
- The Crab House
Establishments That Cooks in Suffolk Work At
Cooks in Suffolk typically find employment in a range of food service establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide steady work with moderate pay and opportunities to develop foundational cooking skills.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Often emphasize speed and efficiency, with salaries slightly lower but with potential for career growth.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually offer higher pay reflecting the skill and precision required from Cooks.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These establishments can pay more due to larger scale operations and event work.
The type of establishment influences not only salary but also work environment and advancement opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Suffolk for Cooks
For those interested in careers related to cooking, here are some similar roles to consider:
This includes positions such as Line Cook, Pastry Cook, and Prep Cook, which share many culinary skills and environments with the Cook role.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Suffolk
Cooks in Suffolk should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax information to ensure their rights and responsibilities are met.
- You can find federal labor laws and regulations at the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For Virginia-specific labor information, visit the Virginia Employment Commission's official site.
- The City of Suffolk's official website also offers local employment resources and guidelines.