Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $38,130. This figure precisely matches the national average, indicating that local market dynamics and demand for these roles are currently in equilibrium with broader economic trends. Factors such as the presence of large institutions and a stable cost of living likely contribute to this alignment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,500.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 810 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately developed but not oversaturated market. The rate of 2.366 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady presence of these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-0.0%below the national average.
$18.3
$733
$3,178
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demand for institutional food services typically drive incremental increases in compensation for skilled culinary professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career progression, offering clear pathways for advancement and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,920 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,598 | $13.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,740 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,663 | $22.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,500 | $23.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $38,130 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
2.366
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.81x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a stable demand that is met by the local workforce, without an overwhelming surplus of candidates, presenting a competitive but accessible job market for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,670↓ 9% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,580↓ 9% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,840↓ 11% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,140↓ 18% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,580↓ 15% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $38,130. This typically ranges from $28,920 for entry-level positions to $49,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 0.0% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary for Cooks in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly the same as the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a balanced market rather than one offering exceptional financial advantage.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($34,670) and Burlington, NC.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $38,130.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Durham-Chapel Hill is identical to the national average for this role.
What is the Cost of Living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is the national average.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there locally?
There are approximately 810 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.366 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC