Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
In Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, the average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food is approximately $25,100. This figure falls notably below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's fast-food sector. The cost of living in Pinehurst-Southern Pines aligns perfectly with the national average, making this salary differential a key consideration for professionals in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,020.
- Outlook: The Pinehurst-Southern Pines area demonstrates a significant concentration of Fast Food Cooks, with a total local workforce of 720 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 4.16 suggests that this profession is substantially more prevalent here than in the average U.S. location, pointing to a robust local demand and a well-established presence of fast-food establishments within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC earns-19.4%below the national average.
$12.1
$483
$2,092
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and the evolving demands of the fast-food industry, which often necessitates competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Career progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. As experience increases, so does earning potential, with higher percentiles representing those with greater tenure, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities. The salary range can significantly widen, reflecting these advancements and the added value experienced individuals bring to fast-food operations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,830 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,825 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,030 | $12.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,375 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,020 | $13.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,100 in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national average, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
18.023
Per 1K Jobs
4.16
Location Quotient
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC 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 4.16, Pinehurst-Southern Pines exhibits a highly concentrated market for Cooks, Fast Food. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than four times the national average relative to the overall workforce. Such a high concentration suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles, and potentially a strong job market for individuals looking for employment in this sector within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,750↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,520↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,630↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,110↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↑ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is $25,100. This typically ranges from $21,830 for entry-level positions to $28,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 19.4% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the salary for Fast Food Cooks is significantly below the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($24,750) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Fast Food Cooks in Pinehurst-Southern Pines?
A local workforce of 720 Fast Food Cooks indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, suggesting a stable and active job market within the region for this profession.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.16 signify for Fast Food Cooks in Pinehurst-Southern Pines?
A Location Quotient of 4.16 means that Fast Food Cooks are over four times more concentrated in Pinehurst-Southern Pines than in the average U.S. location, highlighting a strong regional specialization and demand for this occupation.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the perception of the $25,100 salary?
An index of 100 signifies that the cost of living in Pinehurst-Southern Pines is exactly average for the nation. Therefore, the $25,100 salary has average national purchasing power, despite being below the national average wage.
What is the number of Fast Food Cook jobs per 1,000 workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines?
There are approximately 18.023 jobs for Fast Food Cooks per 1,000 workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, indicating a significant presence of this role within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area with a job density of 18.023 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 Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC