Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Wilmington, NC
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Wilmington, NC is $63,970. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $95,100.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wilmington, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Wilmington, NC earns-1.1%below the national average.
$30.8
$1,230
$5,331
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Wilmington, NC have seen a slight adjustment of -1.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Wilmington, 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 $43,130, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $95,100.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $43,130 | $20.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $47,978 | $23.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $59,390 | $28.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $79,963 | $38.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $95,100 | $45.7 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wilmington, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $63,970 to $63,970.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
0.941
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.80x 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.
180 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Wilmington, NC.
Only 0.941 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,090↓ 3% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $60,930↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,870↓ 0% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,220↓ 3% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Wilmington, NC is $63,970. This typically ranges from $43,130 for entry-level positions to $95,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 1.1% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Wilmington, NC is $63,970 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Wilmington, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($62,090) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 0.941 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 Wilmington, NC