Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Jacksonville, NC
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Jacksonville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $24,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Jacksonville area contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,170.
- Outlook: Jacksonville, NC, boasts a substantial local workforce of 2,190 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 41.28, the demand for these roles is significant, indicating a robust and active job market for fast-food cooks in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, NC earns-22.9%below the national average.
$11.5
$462
$2,001
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that the salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, NC, typically sees an increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or supervisory roles command higher compensation, reflecting a clear career ladder with distinct percentile gaps.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,180 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,008 | $8.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,013 | $14.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,170 | $13.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,010 in Jacksonville, NC, 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.
Job Market Context
2,190
Total Jobs
41.28
Per 1K Jobs
9.52
Location Quotient
Jacksonville, NC has 9.5x 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.
Jacksonville, NC, exhibits a remarkable concentration of fast-food cooks, with a Location Quotient of 9.52. This exceptionally high figure signifies that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Jacksonville compared to the national average, indicating a highly specialized and concentrated labor market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,980↑ 8% | 46 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,880↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Greenville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,020↑ 4% | 60 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,030↑ 0% | 89 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,750↑ 3% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Jacksonville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, NC is $24,010. This typically ranges from $21,180 for entry-level positions to $27,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, NC is 22.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Jacksonville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Jacksonville, NC, is significantly lower than the national average.
Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wilmington, NC ($25,980) and Goldsboro, NC.
What is the average hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Jacksonville, NC?
Based on the average annual salary of $24,010 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Fast Food Cook in Jacksonville, NC, is around $11.54.
How does experience affect a Fast Food Cook's salary in Jacksonville, NC?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level cooks earning less and more experienced or supervisory roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.
Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Jacksonville, NC competitive?
The market is highly concentrated, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 9.52, suggesting a strong local demand and a significant presence of these roles within the workforce.
How does Jacksonville, NC's cost of living compare to the national average?
Jacksonville, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,190 employees in the Jacksonville, NC area with a job density of 41.28 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 Jacksonville, NC