Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Cooks in the fast-food sector in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an average annual salary of $26,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130. Local market dynamics, including demand and the cost of labor, often influence these regional pay discrepancies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,780.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary area boasts a substantial workforce of 10,610 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food. With a Location Quotient of 3.38, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand for fast-food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-13.3%below the national average.
$13
$519
$2,249
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the fast-food industry, like many others, has experienced salary growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and a competitive labor market seeking to attract and retain qualified staff.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,270 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,243 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,440 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,738 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,780 | $15.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,990 in Raleigh-Cary, 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 locally is on par with the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
Job Market Context
10,610
Total Jobs
14.667
Per 1K Jobs
3.38
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 3.4x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3.38 for Cooks, Fast Food in Raleigh-Cary signifies that this occupation is more than three times as common in this metropolitan area than it is nationwide. This high concentration points to a very active and potentially competitive job market for these roles, with ample opportunities available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 7% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,030↓ 11% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $23,880↓ 12% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↓ 4% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $24,750↓ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $26,990. This typically ranges from $22,270 for entry-level positions to $32,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 13.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,990 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($28,750) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the market?
With 14.667 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a significant presence of fast-food cook positions relative to the overall workforce, suggesting consistent demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.38 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.38 means there's a much higher concentration of fast-food cook jobs in Raleigh-Cary compared to the rest of the US, indicating a strong local market and potentially more job openings.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salaries are neither inflated nor depressed by living expenses, meaning the $26,990 salary has average purchasing power nationally.
Are there many fast-food cook jobs in Raleigh-Cary?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 10,610 and a high concentration (LQ 3.38), Raleigh-Cary has a substantial number of jobs for fast-food cooks.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,610 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 14.667 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC