Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
In Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $27,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting localized economic factors or a different market dynamic influence compensation in this region. The specific demand and supply within the Charlotte metropolitan area play a crucial role in shaping these earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,850.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area boasts a substantial workforce of 18,560 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. Coupled with a Location Quotient of 3.19, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a well-established presence of fast-food establishments within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-10.1%below the national average.
$13.5
$538
$2,332
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Charlotte is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation have experienced modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region, with potential for incremental increases in average earnings.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,680 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,985 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,310 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,975 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,850 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,980 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 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, making the cost of living neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for fast-food cooks.
Job Market Context
18,560
Total Jobs
13.844
Per 1K Jobs
3.19
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 3.2x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.19, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC exhibits a job market that is more than three times as concentrated with Cooks, Fast Food compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive environment with abundant opportunities, but also potentially more candidates vying for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,530↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,930↓ 7% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,520↓ 12% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,630↓ 5% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,110↓ 10% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $27,980. This typically ranges from $22,680 for entry-level positions to $34,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 10.1% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Charlotte is below the national average. The high concentration of jobs indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($25,530) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 13.844 jobs per 1,000 workers, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has a significantly higher density of fast-food cook positions than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ)?
An LQ of 3.19 means that fast-food cooks are 3.19 times more concentrated in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC than they are nationwide, indicating a strong local industry presence.
Does experience impact salary for fast-food cooks in Charlotte?
Yes, like most roles, experience plays a key part in salary determination. Senior cooks or those with supervisory experience generally earn more than entry-level staff.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $27,980 in Charlotte is lower than the national average of $31,130 for Cooks, Fast Food.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,560 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 13.844 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC