Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Burlington, NC
Cooks in Burlington, North Carolina, earn an average annual salary of $32,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Burlington culinary scene likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,180.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 750 individuals in this role, Burlington, NC, demonstrates a stable employment base for Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a steady, if not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Burlington, NC earns-12.6%below the national average.
$15.8
$634
$2,746
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Burlington's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual salary increases for skilled positions like cooks.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Burlington, NC
Salary progression for Cooks in Burlington, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,200 | $11.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,713 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,110 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,188 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,180 | $20.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,950 in Burlington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the local cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the offered compensation.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
10.981
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Burlington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Burlington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.17 for Cooks, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a healthy demand for culinary talent, making it a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↑ 2% | 20 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,290↑ 10% | 32 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↓ 0% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↑ 6% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,710↓ 1% | 36 mi |
Comparing salaries near Burlington, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Burlington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Burlington, NC is $32,950. This typically ranges from $24,200 for entry-level positions to $43,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Burlington, NC is 12.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Burlington, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,950 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are average, the earning potential is somewhat diminished.
Is Burlington, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Burlington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Burlington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,670) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
What is the average salary for a Cook in Burlington, NC?
The average annual salary for a Cook in Burlington, NC, is $32,950.
How does Burlington's cost of living compare to the national average?
Burlington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Cooks in Burlington, NC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.17, there is a slightly higher concentration of Cook positions in Burlington compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand.
How many Cooks are employed in Burlington, NC?
There are approximately 750 Cooks employed in Burlington, NC, representing about 10.981 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Burlington, NC area with a job density of 10.981 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Burlington, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Burlington, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Burlington, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Burlington, NC