Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in North Carolina
Cooks in North Carolina's fast-food sector earn an average annual salary of $26,410, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's labor market for these roles. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for assessing compensation in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,740.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 89,140 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. Coupled with a Location Quotient of 4.2, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in North Carolina compared to the national average. This robust presence suggests a strong and consistent demand for fast-food cooks within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina earns-15.2%below the national average.
$12.7
$508
$2,201
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments common in the service industry. This upward trend, though potentially modest, reflects the ongoing need for these essential roles.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased skill, responsibility, and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,920 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,808 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,750 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,013 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,740 | $14.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,829
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $26,410 in North Carolina for Fast Food Cooks needs to be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index, which stands at 94.9. This index is slightly below the national average (100), suggesting that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power might be somewhat preserved due to the lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
89,140
Total Jobs
18.198
Per 1K Jobs
4.2
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 4.2x 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 4.2, North Carolina exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only abundant but also highly competitive, with a disproportionately large number of these roles relative to the overall workforce compared to other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,100↓ 5% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,720↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina is $26,410. This typically ranges from $21,920 for entry-level positions to $30,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 15.2% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While North Carolina has a high concentration of fast-food cook jobs, the average salary of $26,410 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($25,900) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does North Carolina's cost of living affect fast-food cook salaries?
North Carolina's cost of living is 5.1% below the national average. This means the $26,410 salary, while lower than the national average, may offer comparable or slightly better purchasing power locally.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a high concentration of fast-food cooks, indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.2. This means there are over four times as many fast-food cooks per worker in North Carolina compared to the national average.
How many fast-food cooks are there in North Carolina?
There are approximately 89,140 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina, representing a substantial segment of the state's food service industry.
Can fast-food cooks expect salary increases with experience in North Carolina?
Yes, like most professions, fast-food cooks in North Carolina can expect their salaries to increase with experience, skill development, and potentially taking on supervisory roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 89,140 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 18.198 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 North Carolina