Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria earn an average annual salary of $33,270. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,420.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a dedicated workforce of 460 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these culinary services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-12.7%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,773
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton 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 and inflation adjustments across the nation. This suggests a consistent, albeit gradual, upward trajectory in earning potential for dedicated professionals in this field.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Experience is a key driver in salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available, rewarding expertise and dedication within the culinary sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,600 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,953 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,930 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,588 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,420 | $19.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,270 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
2.983
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence of these roles, suggesting a competitive but accessible market for job seekers and a steady demand from employers within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,190↑ 6% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,490↓ 5% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,600↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,600↑ 7% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,790↓ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $33,270. This typically ranges from $25,600 for entry-level positions to $41,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 12.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the local cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national average. This suggests that while your earnings will go as far as elsewhere, the absolute income potential is somewhat lower.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($35,190) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $33,270, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 460 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
How does the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton compare to the national average?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.03, which is slightly above the national average of 1.0, indicating a marginally higher presence of these jobs in the area.
What is the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 2.983 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC