Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,580, which is notably below the national average of $38,130. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,380.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 970 individuals in this role, the presence of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significant within the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area. The location quotient of 1.31 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized market for these culinary professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-14.6%below the national average.
$15.7
$627
$2,715
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in nonmetropolitan areas like Western North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase reflects ongoing demand for essential food service roles.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities command higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,820 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,435 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,420 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,725 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,380 | $18.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,580 in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
3.798
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.31 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, but also indicates a stable and established demand for these roles within the local economy, making it a notable sector for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,840↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,110↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,580↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $34,600↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↑ 17% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $32,580. This typically ranges from $26,820 for entry-level positions to $38,380 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 14.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in this area is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($33,840) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 970 suggests a substantial presence of this role, indicating a stable job market with ongoing opportunities, though competition may also be present.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for cooks?
A location quotient of 1.31 indicates that cooks are more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for their services.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average, meaning the $32,580 salary has average purchasing power locally.
Are there opportunities for salary growth for cooks in this region?
Yes, as cooks gain experience and potentially move into supervisory roles, their salaries are expected to increase, moving them into higher earning percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.798 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area