Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $56,920. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 57.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,050.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-12.0%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,095
$4,743
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 57.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $33,280, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,050.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $42,690 | $20.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,880 | $27.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $71,150 | $34.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $77,050 | $37 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,920 to $56,920.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
0.784
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.66x 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.
120 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.784 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $71,110↑ 25% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,370↑ 6% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,860↑ 14% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,440↑ 17% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $49,650↓ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $56,920. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $77,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 12.0% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $56,920 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($71,110) and Spartanburg, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.784 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC