Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Wilmington, NC
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $33,260. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this coastal city. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower salary indicates a less competitive market for these roles in Wilmington.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,410.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, supports a local workforce of 390 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 2.101 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for this specific culinary role.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wilmington, NC earns-12.8%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,772
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect an effort to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitive compensation within the local food service industry.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding those who advance their skills and take on greater responsibilities within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,760 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,945 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,780 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,575 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,410 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,260 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that income in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary offers a standard level of affordability for residents in this location.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
2.101
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wilmington, NC, indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the local economy compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these roles, the market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled individuals. It implies a balanced supply and demand, without an overwhelming surplus of workers or an extreme scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,490↑ 1% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,960↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,310↑ 0% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,870↑ 2% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,680↑ 1% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wilmington, NC is $33,260. This typically ranges from $25,760 for entry-level positions to $40,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 12.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks in Wilmington is below the national average, suggesting less competitive compensation in this specific role.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($33,490) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Wilmington, NC, is $33,260.
How does Wilmington's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria strong in Wilmington, NC?
The market is moderately present, with a Location Quotient of 0.72 indicating a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How does Wilmington's average salary for this role compare to the national average?
The average salary of $33,260 in Wilmington is lower than the national average of $38,130 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.101 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 Wilmington, NC