Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Asheville, NC
Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC, command an impressive average annual salary of $66,440, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated pay in Asheville is often influenced by the city's vibrant culinary scene and the specific demands of its hospitality sector, which can necessitate higher compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,620.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Asheville, NC, shows a healthy level of demand for Chefs and Head Cooks, evidenced by a total local workforce of 230 individuals in this role. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, the concentration of these positions is slightly above the national average, indicating a robust and stable employment landscape for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC earns+2.7%above the national average.
$31.9
$1,278
$5,537
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing food costs, evolving consumer dining preferences, and the ongoing need for experienced culinary leadership in a dynamic hospitality market.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and proven leadership skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available within this culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,800 | $21.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $49,830 | $24 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $62,040 | $29.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $83,050 | $39.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $97,620 | $46.9 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Asheville, NC, the average annual salary of $66,440 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Asheville-based Chef's salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.253
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Asheville, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
Asheville, NC, presents a slightly more concentrated job market for Chefs and Head Cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.06. This suggests that while the demand is present and marginally higher than the national average, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. Professionals can expect a competitive yet accessible landscape for culinary roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,070↓ 7% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,650↓ 25% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,370↓ 9% | 56 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,120↓ 25% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC is $66,440. This typically ranges from $44,800 for entry-level positions to $97,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 2.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, Asheville, NC is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $66,440 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($62,070) and Johnson City, TN.
How does Asheville's Chef salary compare to the national average?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC, earn an average of $66,440 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the Cost of Living in Asheville, NC for Chefs?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
Is there high demand for Chefs in Asheville, NC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.06, the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville is slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy and consistent demand for these roles.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Asheville, NC?
There are approximately 230 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Asheville, NC, contributing to the local culinary workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 1.253 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC