Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $26,630. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors. The specific economic landscape and demand within this nonmetropolitan region directly shape compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,440 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.91 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, pointing to strong local demand and a specialized employment sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-14.5%below the national average.
$12.8
$512
$2,219
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food in nonmetropolitan areas like Western North Carolina have seen modest but consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a gradual rise in demand for quick-service food options, even in less urbanized regions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,840 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,973 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,760 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,288 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,330 | $16 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,630 in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
5,440
Total Jobs
21.279
Per 1K Jobs
4.91
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 4.9x 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 4.91, the market for Cooks, Fast Food in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is highly concentrated. This indicates that these roles are significantly more prevalent here than in the nation as a whole, suggesting a competitive landscape for employers seeking talent and a plentiful supply of job opportunities for individuals in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,900↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,100↓ 6% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↓ 3% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,720↑ 0% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,750↑ 8% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $26,630. This typically ranges from $21,840 for entry-level positions to $33,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 14.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,630 is notably lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is relatively stable.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($25,900) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects for Fast Food Cooks?
A local workforce of 5,440 indicates a substantial pool of individuals employed in this role, suggesting established demand and a stable job market within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.91 mean for Fast Food Cooks in Western NC?
A Location Quotient of 4.91 signifies that jobs for Fast Food Cooks are nearly five times more concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area than the national average, highlighting a specialized and high-demand sector.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the $26,630 salary?
An index of 100 means the cost of living is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the $26,630 salary has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical US location, despite being below the national average wage.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
With 21.279 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a significant presence of fast-food cook positions relative to the general workforce, reinforcing the high concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,440 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 21.279 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area