Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,140. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demands of institutional and cafeteria settings in this locale. The pay scale is influenced by the cost of doing business and the availability of skilled labor within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,220.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 660 individuals in this role, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a moderate level of opportunity for those seeking employment in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-18.3%below the national average.
$15
$599
$2,595
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational costs for food service providers, and a steady demand for essential culinary services in institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,950 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,355 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,050 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,925 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,220 | $17.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,140 in Eastern 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 for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
2.519
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.87 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a severe shortage, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,840↑ 9% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,110↑ 13% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,580↑ 11% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,600↑ 11% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↑ 22% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $31,140. This typically ranges from $22,950 for entry-level positions to $37,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 18.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area for this profession.The average salary of $31,140 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,840) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 660 suggests a moderate-sized job market. While not extremely large, it indicates a consistent presence of these roles within the region's economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.87 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.87 means the occupation is slightly less common here than nationally. This could imply a stable job market with less intense competition for experienced cooks.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $31,140 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the national norm.
What are the typical career paths for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
Career paths often involve moving from entry-level cook positions to roles like lead cook, kitchen supervisor, or even cafeteria manager, with corresponding increases in responsibility and salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.519 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 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area