Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in North Carolina
Cooks in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $34,380, which is below the national average of $38,130. This difference in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within the state, and the prevailing wage scales specific to North Carolina's labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,970 individuals in this role, North Carolina demonstrates a significant presence of institutional and cafeteria cooks. The location quotient of 0.84 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, there is still a substantial and stable demand for these professionals across the state, indicating a robust job market.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina earns-9.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,865
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for roles like Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria tend to experience modest but consistent growth over time. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving culinary standards likely contribute to an upward trend in average earnings for these positions in North Carolina over the past four years.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,785 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,590 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,975 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,400 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,228
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $34,380 in North Carolina aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This means that the nominal income earned by cooks in the state generally holds its purchasing power well, as the cost of goods and services is slightly below the national average, offering a good balance between earnings and expenses.
Job Market Context
11,970
Total Jobs
2.443
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.84x 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 0.84 indicates that the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially benefiting job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,840↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,110↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,580↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,600↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↑ 11% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina is $34,380. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $43,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 9.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is lower, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina is below the national average. This means earning potential is somewhat diminished compared to the rest of the country.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,840) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 2.443 jobs per 1,000 workers, North Carolina's rate for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in North Carolina?
An LQ of 0.84 means that the proportion of institutional and cafeteria cooks in North Carolina's workforce is 16% lower than the national average. This suggests the profession is present but not disproportionately concentrated within the state.
How does the cost of living impact the $34,380 salary?
With a cost of living index of 94.9, the $34,380 salary in North Carolina offers good purchasing power, as expenses are slightly lower than the national average, making the effective income slightly higher than the nominal figure suggests.
Are there many job opportunities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina?
Yes, with a workforce of nearly 12,000, there is a substantial number of job opportunities. The location quotient indicates a steady presence, suggesting consistent demand across various institutions and cafeterias.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,970 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 2.443 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 North Carolina