Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $69,630, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation is likely influenced by the region's dynamic culinary scene and demand for skilled professionals. The concentration of talent and specific industry needs within Durham-Chapel Hill contribute to this favorable pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,520.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 Chefs and Head Cooks, the Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these culinary professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially balanced market where skilled individuals can find opportunities without extreme competition.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+7.7%above the national average.
$33.5
$1,339
$5,803
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. The culinary industry generally experiences steady demand, and as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, so too do the wages for experienced chefs and head cooks to attract and retain talent.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill, as in most markets, is significantly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, leadership skills, and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $44,630 | $21.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $52,223 | $25.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $64,590 | $31.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $87,038 | $41.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $101,520 | $48.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,630 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a chef's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents. While not affording a significantly higher lifestyle than the national average, it provides a comfortable living standard without the added financial strain of a high cost of living.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.655
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.55x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.55 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these roles, the market is not saturated. For job seekers, this could mean a moderate level of competition, but also a good chance of finding specialized roles if they possess the right skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,060↓ 5% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,590↓ 12% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,140↓ 6% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $57,720↓ 17% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,480↓ 12% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $69,630. This typically ranges from $44,630 for entry-level positions to $101,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 7.7% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill earn $69,630 annually, exceeding the national average. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes it a financially sound location for the profession.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($66,060) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local chef salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill is $69,630, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Location Quotient is 0.55, meaning the profession is less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $69,630 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Is the job market for chefs competitive in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the market is less concentrated, suggesting a potentially balanced job market with moderate competition for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.655 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC