Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $57,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for highly specialized culinary roles contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Eastern North Carolina shapes compensation for these vital kitchen leaders.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 390 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a slightly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, demand within the region's culinary sector. This concentration points to a consistent need for skilled culinary professionals to support local establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-10.8%below the national average.
$27.8
$1,110
$4,810
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 Eastern North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, shifts in consumer dining habits, and an increasing appreciation for quality cuisine likely contributed to modest upward adjustments in compensation, aiming to retain experienced talent within the region.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly influenced by experience and demonstrated skill. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience, specialized culinary training, and proven leadership abilities can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary data signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $37,060 | $17.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,290 | $20.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $59,960 | $28.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $72,150 | $34.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $74,990 | $36.1 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,720 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Eastern North Carolina aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by the local cost of living, providing a stable financial baseline for culinary professionals.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
1.491
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.26, the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area exhibits a concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks that is 26% higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive or specialized market for these roles within the region. While not an overwhelming surplus, this indicates that employers may have a slightly larger pool of local talent to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,140↑ 13% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,310↑ 15% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,590↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,860↑ 12% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,630↑ 21% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $57,720. This typically ranges from $37,060 for entry-level positions to $74,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 10.8% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $57,720 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while your earnings will be stable relative to expenses, they won't exceed typical national compensation for the role.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($65,140) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 1.491 jobs per 1,000 workers, Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher concentration of Chef and Head Cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in this region?
There are approximately 390 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, representing the local culinary workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in Eastern North Carolina?
The cost of living in Eastern North Carolina is at the national average (100), meaning the $57,720 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage due to local expenses.
How does the Location Quotient impact job opportunities for Chefs?
A Location Quotient of 1.26 suggests that Chefs and Head Cooks are slightly more concentrated in this region than nationally, implying a stable but potentially competitive job market with consistent opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.491 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 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area