Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,110. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas. The concentration of this role in the region, however, suggests a localized demand that influences compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,560.
- Outlook: The Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 6,300 Cooks, Fast Food, indicating a significant presence of this occupation. With a Location Quotient of 6.14, this role is over six times more concentrated than the national average, signaling robust demand and a specialized job market for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-19.3%below the national average.
$12.1
$483
$2,093
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 nonmetropolitan areas like Central North Carolina have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This incremental increase is typical for roles in the food service industry, especially in regions with a high concentration of such employment.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior cooks often signifies increased responsibility, skill acquisition, and a greater understanding of kitchen operations, leading to higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,640 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,833 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,350 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,388 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,560 | $13.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,110 in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced with local wages.
Job Market Context
6,300
Total Jobs
26.613
Per 1K Jobs
6.14
Location Quotient
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 6.1x 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.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.14 for Cooks, Fast Food in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these workers significantly outpaces the national average, making the area a key hub for fast-food employment and potentially offering more job opportunities relative to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,100↓ 0% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↑ 3% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,720↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 14% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $25,110. This typically ranges from $21,640 for entry-level positions to $28,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 19.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,110 is substantially lower than the national average of $31,130, despite a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($25,900) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the concentration of fast food jobs in Central North Carolina compare nationally?
The concentration is extremely high, with a Location Quotient of 6.14, meaning the job is over six times more prevalent than the national average.
What is the total number of fast food cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 6,300 Cooks, Fast Food employed in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a fast food cook's salary in this area?
No, the cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national median.
Are there many job opportunities for fast food cooks in this region?
Yes, the high concentration (LQ of 6.14) and substantial workforce (6,300) suggest a strong and abundant job market for fast food cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,300 employees in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 26.613 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 Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area