Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,710. This figure falls below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals in this area. The lower average reflects the unique economic landscape outside of major metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,880.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,770 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.79, the job market in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas shows a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the presence of nearly 1,800 professionals suggests a stable, albeit less concentrated, employment base for culinary roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-13.2%below the national average.
$15.7
$629
$2,726
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in nonmetropolitan Central North Carolina have likely seen modest growth, mirroring general wage inflation trends. This growth would typically be driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a steady demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
The salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers can command salaries significantly higher, reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the career advancement opportunities available for those who develop specialized skills and leadership qualities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,630 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,533 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,888 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,880 | $22.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,710 in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this profession, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced.
Job Market Context
1,770
Total Jobs
7.459
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.79x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.79 for Cooks, Restaurant in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and supports a notable workforce, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,170↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,050↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,290↑ 11% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $32,710. This typically ranges from $22,630 for entry-level positions to $45,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 13.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,710 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,670) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects for Cooks?
A local workforce of 1,770 indicates a substantial number of existing positions, suggesting a stable job market for Cooks, Restaurant in the area, though the concentration is slightly below the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for Cooks?
A Location Quotient of 0.79 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are employed at a rate slightly lower than the national average in this region, implying a moderately competitive job market.
How does the Cost of Living affect the Cook salary in Central NC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $32,710 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are balanced with income.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks in this area?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level Cooks earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting typical career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,770 employees in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.459 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 Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area