Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $61,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, reflecting a localized market dynamic. The specific economic conditions and demand within this region contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,310.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 Chefs and Head Cooks, and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas shows a concentration very close to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals, suggesting a consistent need for skilled individuals in the region's food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-4.9%below the national average.
$29.6
$1,182
$5,123
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for quality dining experiences, and the need to attract and retain skilled culinary talent in a competitive environment.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and leadership capabilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the substantial earning potential as one advances from a junior cook to a head chef or executive chef role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $46,110 | $22.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,830 | $27.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $76,850 | $36.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $89,310 | $42.9 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,480 in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area 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 region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary is offset by the stable cost of living, making it a financially comparable location to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.198
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area indicates that the concentration of these professionals is almost identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of culinary talent closely matches the demand, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,140↑ 6% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $66,310↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $61,590↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $64,860↑ 5% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $69,630↑ 13% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $61,480. This typically ranges from $39,100 for entry-level positions to $89,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 4.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
It is a stable, not exceptionally lucrative, place for Chefs and Head Cooks.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it financially comparable.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($65,140) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $61,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job concentration like in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.01, indicating that the presence of Chefs and Head Cooks is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $61,480 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in this region?
There are approximately 310 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.198 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area