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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Chefs and Head Cooks in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $66,060, surpassing the national average of $64,680. This slight premium is often influenced by the region's dynamic culinary scene and the demand for skilled professionals to cater to its growing population and established dining establishments.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,060 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,570.
  • Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary culinary job market, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.55, supports a local workforce of 470 Chefs and Head Cooks. This indicates a stable demand for these professionals within the region, suggesting a robust environment for those seeking employment or career advancement in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,060

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns+2.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.8

Weekly

$1,270

Monthly

$5,505

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership capabilities can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the substantial financial rewards of advancing one's career in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$45,990$22.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$49,545$23.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$61,890$29.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$82,575$39.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$98,570$47.4

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,060

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,060

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $66,060 in Raleigh-Cary aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

0.65

Per 1K Jobs

0.55

Location Quotient

Below Average

Raleigh-Cary, 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the Raleigh-Cary area has a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals to find employment without facing intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$69,630↑ 5%18 mi
Burlington, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$61,590↓ 7%49 mi
Fayetteville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$63,870↓ 3%55 mi

Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $66,060. This typically ranges from $45,990 for entry-level positions to $98,570 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 2.1% higher than the national median of $64,680.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Chefs and Head Cooks in Raleigh-Cary earn slightly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide good purchasing power.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($69,630) and Burlington, NC.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $66,060, which is higher than the national average of $64,680.

What is the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC is at the national average, with an index of 100.

How many Chefs and Head Cooks work in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

There are approximately 470 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area.

Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks strong in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The market shows stable demand with a local workforce of 470 and a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a healthy, non-oversaturated job environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 0.65 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC