Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $24,520. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a different labor market dynamic. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand, cost structures, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern North Carolina is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,830 individuals. The high concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 5.13, suggests that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than the national average, pointing to strong local demand and a specialized labor pool.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-21.2%below the national average.
$11.8
$472
$2,043
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, the fast-food industry typically experiences steady employment. It's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in this region have seen modest growth, aligning with general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments, though likely at a pace influenced by the nonmetropolitan economic environment.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as shift leader or assistant manager. While exact percentile salary gaps are not detailed here, the progression from the lower end of the pay scale to the average and potentially higher reflects increasing responsibility, experience, and demonstrated performance, with significant percentile gaps indicating clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,820 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,390 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,240 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,650 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,860 | $13.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,520 in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that expenses for goods and services are comparable.
Job Market Context
5,830
Total Jobs
22.241
Per 1K Jobs
5.13
Location Quotient
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 5.1x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 5.13, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is highly concentrated. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than five times the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a very competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a strong availability of jobs for individuals in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↑ 6% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,100↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,720↑ 9% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 17% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $24,520. This typically ranges from $21,820 for entry-level positions to $27,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 21.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.The average annual salary of $24,520 is significantly below the national average of $31,130. However, the local cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable, but the absolute earnings are lower.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($25,900) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Cooks, Fast Food?
A local workforce of 5,830 indicates a substantial pool of individuals already employed in or seeking roles as Cooks, Fast Food, suggesting a mature and active job market within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 5.13 signify for this role?
A Location Quotient of 5.13 means that Cooks, Fast Food are employed at a rate over five times higher in this area compared to the national average, highlighting a strong local industry presence and demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $24,520 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $24,520 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning local expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the national norm.
Are there significant salary increases with experience for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, career progression typically leads to higher salaries. Experienced cooks often command higher pay due to their efficiency, reliability, and potential for supervisory roles, though the exact scale would depend on individual employers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,830 employees in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 22.241 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 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area