Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Asheville, NC
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $27,130. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Asheville market contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,410.
- Outlook: The Asheville, NC market demonstrates a significant concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 3.86, indicating a demand nearly four times the national average. With a local workforce of 3,130 individuals in this role and 16.725 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job market appears robust and offers substantial opportunities for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC earns-12.8%below the national average.
$13
$522
$2,261
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or demand for service industry workers. This upward trajectory, though likely modest, suggests a slowly improving earning potential for individuals in this role.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,348 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,340 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,913 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,410 | $16.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,130 for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Asheville is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
Job Market Context
3,130
Total Jobs
16.725
Per 1K Jobs
3.86
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 3.9x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Asheville, NC, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.86. This indicates that the proportion of fast-food cooks relative to the total workforce is substantially higher than the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a strong local demand for these services, potentially leading to more job openings but also a more competitive environment among job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,280↑ 4% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,090↓ 0% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,930↓ 4% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,100↓ 0% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,570↑ 9% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC is $27,130. This typically ranges from $22,260 for entry-level positions to $33,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 12.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville is below the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($28,280) and Johnson City, TN.
How does the Asheville fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC, is $27,130, which is $4,000 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Asheville, NC?
Asheville has a high concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 3.86, meaning the profession is nearly four times more common there than in the average US location.
How does the cost of living in Asheville affect the salary?
Asheville's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower-than-average salary of $27,130 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Asheville, NC?
There are approximately 3,130 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the Asheville, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,130 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 16.725 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC