Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Cooks in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $36,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while the demand for culinary professionals is present, local economic factors and the cost of living may influence compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone considering a career in this vibrant food scene.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,870.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston culinary job market demonstrates a robust presence, with a local workforce of 5,930 Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 1.62 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for job seekers.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-3.6%below the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,028
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff, and the overall expansion of the hospitality sector in the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,680 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,255 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,630 | $17.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,425 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,870 | $22.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Charleston-North Charleston is right at the national average. This means the nominal salary of $36,340 for Cooks, Restaurant holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average. While not a high-paying market relative to cost, it offers a stable economic environment for those in the culinary field.
Job Market Context
5,930
Total Jobs
15.272
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.62 for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than 60% higher than the national average relative to the overall workforce, making it a potentially favorable market for job seekers with relevant skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,580↑ 1% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,120↓ 14% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,590↓ 8% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,900↓ 7% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,010↓ 12% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $36,340. This typically ranges from $27,680 for entry-level positions to $45,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 3.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $36,340 is close to the national average and the cost of living is on par, it does not represent a significantly lucrative market. However, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.62) suggests ample opportunities.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($36,580) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $36,340, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.62, meaning there are significantly more Cooks, Restaurant jobs per worker in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $36,340 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither particularly high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 5,930 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,930 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 15.272 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC