21. Virginia
Annual median wage: $38,480
Cost of living index: 100.2
Employment: 3,190
While Virginia does not pay much for their chefs and head cooks, they sure have a lot of opportunities for them. The state is home to a lot of restaurants, including fine dining, drive-ins, and diners. There are also several large hotels in the state, which explains the great employment rate they have for chefs. Virginia’s cost of living rates also hangs tight on the average, so wages can be stretched longer if you compare it with other states.
