Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Burlington, NC
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Burlington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $25,890. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for job seekers and employers alike.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,300.
- Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in Burlington, NC, shows significant local concentration, with a Location Quotient of 5.94, suggesting a demand for these roles that is nearly six times the national average. With a local workforce of 1,750 individuals in this profession and 25.729 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market appears robust and specialized for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Burlington, NC earns-16.8%below the national average.
$12.5
$498
$2,158
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Burlington, NC, is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for fast-food cooks have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contribute to modest but consistent upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Burlington, NC
Salary progression for fast-food cooks typically correlates with experience and added responsibilities. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift supervisors can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different percentiles reflects opportunities for career advancement within the fast-food industry, moving from basic preparation to more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,470 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,418 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,660 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,363 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,890 in Burlington, 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 that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Burlington is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
1,750
Total Jobs
25.729
Per 1K Jobs
5.94
Location Quotient
Burlington, NC has 5.9x 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.
Burlington, NC, exhibits a highly concentrated market for fast-food cooks, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 5.94. 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 and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking staff and individuals seeking employment in this specific role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↑ 0% | 20 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 11% | 32 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,520↓ 5% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,630↑ 3% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,110↓ 3% | 36 mi |
Comparing salaries near Burlington, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Burlington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Burlington, NC is $25,890. This typically ranges from $22,470 for entry-level positions to $28,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Burlington, NC is 16.8% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Burlington, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not when compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,890 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is relatively stable.
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Burlington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Burlington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($25,900) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
How does Burlington's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Burlington, NC, is $25,890, which is notably lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the job concentration for fast-food cooks in Burlington, NC?
Burlington, NC, has a high concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 5.94, indicating a demand nearly six times the national average.
How does the cost of living in Burlington affect the salary?
The cost of living in Burlington is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $25,890 offers purchasing power comparable to the national average.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Burlington, NC?
There are approximately 1,750 individuals employed as fast-food cooks in Burlington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,750 employees in the Burlington, NC area with a job density of 25.729 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 Burlington, NC