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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in North Carolina

Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina earn an impressive average annual salary of $66,330, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This elevated compensation reflects the state's growing culinary scene and the demand for skilled professionals to lead kitchen operations. North Carolina's unique economic landscape and vibrant food culture contribute to this favorable pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,580.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,100 Chefs and Head Cooks, North Carolina demonstrates a solid presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating a potentially balanced market where demand may be steady, offering opportunities for skilled individuals without extreme saturation.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,330

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina earns+2.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.9

Weekly

$1,276

Monthly

$5,528

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in North Carolina

The salary landscape for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina typically shows significant variation based on experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and leadership skills can command salaries well above the average. These percentile gaps are clear indicators of career progression and the value placed on expertise in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$42,290$20.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$49,748$23.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$59,810$28.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$82,913$39.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$98,580$47.4

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,895

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The average annual salary of $66,330 in North Carolina offers strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary can translate into a higher real income and a better quality of life for culinary professionals residing in the state.

Job Market Context

4,100

Total Jobs

0.836

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

North Carolina has 0.71x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.71 for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and active, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a more competitive environment for job seekers looking to establish or advance their careers in the state's culinary industry.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Greensboro-High Point, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$65,140↓ 2%32 mi
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$66,310↓ 0%36 mi
Burlington, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,590↓ 7%36 mi
Winston-Salem, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$64,860↓ 2%41 mi
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$69,630↑ 5%56 mi

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina is $66,330. This typically ranges from $42,290 for entry-level positions to $98,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 2.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, North Carolina offers a lucrative environment for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary of $66,330 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national benchmark, enhancing real income.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($65,140) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.

What is the average salary for a Chef in North Carolina?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina is $66,330.

How does North Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?

North Carolina's cost of living index is 94.9, which is lower than the national average of 100.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks competitive in North Carolina?

With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially balanced and competitive job market.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks are employed in North Carolina?

There are approximately 4,100 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in North Carolina.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,100 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.836 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina