Creative & Education Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Chef Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median chef salary in Parkersburg, WV is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$45,216
vs State Avg
$-2,261
vs National
$-11,304
Cost of Living
80%

Chef Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median chef salary of $45,216, which is $2,261 below the West Virginia state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $45,216 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Parkersburg spans from $26,560 at the 10th percentile to $78,240 at the 90th percentile — a $51,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level chef earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $26,560
25th Percentile $33,760
Median (50th) $45,216
75th Percentile $60,000
90th Percentile $78,240

Chef Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$50,868
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$49,738
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$46,346
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$44,086
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Chef in Parkersburg

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Parkersburg and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open chef positions in Parkersburg, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Chef make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median chef salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $26,560 (10th percentile) to $78,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,216, a chef in Parkersburg earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for chef pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median chef salary of $45,216 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $47,477. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $45,216 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Parkersburg? ▼
Most chef positions in Parkersburg require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.