Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Asheville, NC
Cooks in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $35,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while Asheville offers a robust culinary scene, local compensation may be influenced by a unique blend of regional economic factors and the specific demands of its hospitality industry. Understanding these nuances is key for culinary professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,260.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Asheville, NC, demonstrates a notable concentration of restaurant cooks, with a total local workforce of 2,920 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.65 indicates that this profession is significantly more prevalent in Asheville than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled cooks within the city's thriving food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Asheville, NC earns-5.6%below the national average.
$17.1
$684
$2,966
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Asheville, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals. This upward trajectory is likely driven by factors such as inflation, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a competitive labor market seeking to attract and retain talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for Cooks in Asheville, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication, skill development, and leadership within the kitchen hierarchy.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,693 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,488 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,260 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,590 for Cooks in Asheville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Asheville is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for culinary professionals.
Job Market Context
2,920
Total Jobs
15.554
Per 1K Jobs
1.65
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.65, Asheville, NC, presents a market where Cooks are in higher demand relative to the national average. This concentration suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better opportunities and negotiation power for experienced cooks. The abundance of roles relative to the national benchmark indicates a healthy and active culinary job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,320↓ 4% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,990↓ 10% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,580↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,500↓ 9% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,180↓ 7% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Asheville, NC is $35,590. This typically ranges from $28,080 for entry-level positions to $45,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 5.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, Asheville, NC offers a stable, albeit slightly below national average, earning potential for Cooks.The average salary of $35,590 is comparable to the national cost of living, and the high concentration of restaurant cooks indicates a robust job market with ample opportunities.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($34,320) and Johnson City, TN.
How does the Asheville cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Asheville, NC, is $35,590, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Asheville, NC?
Asheville has a higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.65.
How does the cost of living in Asheville affect a cook's salary?
Asheville's Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is at the national average. Therefore, the $35,590 salary in Asheville has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks employed in Asheville, NC?
There are approximately 2,920 restaurant cooks employed in Asheville, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,920 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 15.554 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC