Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Goldsboro, NC
In Goldsboro, NC, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $23,880. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Goldsboro market significantly influence this compensation level, creating a distinct pay landscape for fast-food workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,330.
- Outlook: Goldsboro, NC, hosts a substantial local workforce of 1,060 Cooks, Fast Food. The location quotient of 5.98 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for this profession within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Goldsboro, NC earns-23.3%below the national average.
$11.5
$459
$1,990
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Goldsboro's fast-food cook salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest salary increases for roles like Cooks, Fast Food, even in localized markets.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Goldsboro, NC
The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Goldsboro, NC, can vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while senior cooks with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can earn considerably more. The progression from lower to higher salary percentiles reflects the accumulation of skills, tenure, and potentially leadership capabilities within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,820 | $9.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,910 | $8.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,520 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,330 | $13.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $23,880 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Goldsboro, NC, for Fast Food Cooks aligns directly with national spending benchmarks. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Goldsboro is not disproportionately higher, offering a comparable purchasing power to the national median.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
25.915
Per 1K Jobs
5.98
Location Quotient
Goldsboro, NC has 6.0x 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.
The exceptionally high location quotient of 5.98 for Cooks, Fast Food in Goldsboro, NC, signifies a market with a pronounced concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for fast-food cooks is significantly more pronounced in Goldsboro than in most other areas, potentially leading to a more competitive hiring environment for employers and ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,020↑ 5% | 37 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,030↑ 1% | 42 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,990↑ 13% | 49 mi |
| Jacksonville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,010↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,750↑ 4% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Goldsboro, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Goldsboro, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Goldsboro, NC is $23,880. This typically ranges from $19,820 for entry-level positions to $28,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Goldsboro, NC is 23.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Goldsboro, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Goldsboro, NC, is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Food based on average salary.The average salary of $23,880 is substantially lower than the national average, despite the Cost of Living being at the national average. While job concentration is high, the compensation does not reflect a lucrative earning potential.
Is Goldsboro, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Goldsboro, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Goldsboro, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville, NC ($25,020) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does Goldsboro's job market compare nationally for Fast Food Cooks?
Goldsboro's job market shows a significantly higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks, with a location quotient of 5.98, indicating a stronger local demand relative to the national average.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living in Goldsboro on a Fast Food Cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Goldsboro is 100, meaning it is on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower-than-average salary of $23,880 for Fast Food Cooks has a direct impact on purchasing power, making it equivalent to the national average.
How many Fast Food Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Goldsboro?
In Goldsboro, NC, there are approximately 25.915 Fast Food Cook jobs for every 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
Does experience significantly increase a Fast Food Cook's salary in Goldsboro?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Goldsboro, with senior roles commanding higher wages than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career growth path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Goldsboro, NC area with a job density of 25.915 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Fast Food Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Goldsboro, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Goldsboro, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Goldsboro, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Goldsboro, NC