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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $71,110. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a strong local demand for culinary expertise. The robust pay in this region is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the area's growing economy and a vibrant food scene that supports higher compensation for skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,110 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,920.
  • Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area supports a local workforce of 1,300 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable, rather than rapidly expanding, job market. While not exceptionally concentrated, the presence of nearly one job per thousand workers (0.969) indicates consistent opportunities for skilled culinary professionals within this dynamic metropolitan region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,110

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns+9.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.2

Weekly

$1,368

Monthly

$5,926

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is typically marked by significant salary increases. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between the lower and upper percentiles of salaries reflects this scaling, offering clear financial incentives for career advancement and skill development within the culinary industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$45,490$21.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$53,333$25.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$60,740$29.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$88,888$42.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$118,920$57.2

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,110

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$71,110

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $71,110 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned holds its purchasing power directly against the national average. Consequently, professionals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to provide a standard of living comparable to the national median, without significant financial adjustments needed due to cost of living differences.

Job Market Context

1,300

Total Jobs

0.969

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.82x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market for Chefs and Head Cooks is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and salaries are competitive, the market is not oversaturated. Professionals in this field may find a balanced environment where their skills are valued, and opportunities exist without facing extreme competition typically seen in areas with a much higher LQ.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$56,920↓ 20%45 mi
Spartanburg, SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$60,370↓ 15%64 mi
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$57,720↓ 19%65 mi
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,480↓ 14%65 mi
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$67,920↓ 4%65 mi

Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $71,110. This typically ranges from $45,490 for entry-level positions to $118,920 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 9.9% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $71,110 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it financially advantageous.

Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($56,920) and Spartanburg, SC.

How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $71,110, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in this area?

The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.82, indicating a slightly lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?

There are approximately 1,300 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 0.969 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC