Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $28,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including demand and the concentration of specific industries, often influence compensation levels for roles like fast-food cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,770.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area demonstrates a robust job market for Cooks, Fast Food, with a total local workforce of 4,440 individuals in this role. The high Location Quotient of 2.99 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a substantial presence of fast-food establishments.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-7.6%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,396
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cook salary trends in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is generally assumed that, similar to many other sectors, compensation for these roles has seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Durham-Chapel Hill typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,270 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,563 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,760 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,938 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,770 | $16.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,750 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
4,440
Total Jobs
12.972
Per 1K Jobs
2.99
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 3.0x 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 2.99, Durham-Chapel Hill exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food. This indicates that the demand for these workers is nearly three times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions and potentially more opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,990↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↓ 10% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,520↓ 15% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,630↓ 7% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $28,750. This typically ranges from $23,270 for entry-level positions to $33,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 7.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC 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 is below the national average. This suggests that while your money may go as far, the total earnings are less than the typical fast-food cook earns nationwide.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($26,990) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of fast-food jobs compare nationally?
Durham-Chapel Hill has 12.972 fast-food jobs per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this industry.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient?
A Location Quotient of 2.99 means that fast-food cooks are employed at nearly three times the rate in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the rest of the United States, signaling high local demand.
Does experience impact pay for fast-food cooks in this area?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks or those with supervisory duties generally earn more than entry-level staff.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $28,750 for Cooks, Fast Food in Durham-Chapel Hill is lower than the national average of $31,130.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,440 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 12.972 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC