Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Cooks in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while the demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,750.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,350 Cooks, Restaurant, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, implying a stable and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-2.7%below the national average.
$17.6
$706
$3,058
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia have seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. While specific historical data isn't provided, the consistent need for these roles suggests a positive trajectory in compensation, keeping pace with the evolving culinary landscape.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia 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 those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and responsibilities. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,450 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,525 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,090 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,875 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,750 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,700 for Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of real economic value within the region.
Job Market Context
13,350
Total Jobs
9.96
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.06 for Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a severe shortage, providing a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↓ 9% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,580↓ 6% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↓ 10% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,710↓ 11% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $36,700. This typically ranges from $28,450 for entry-level positions to $45,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 2.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $36,700 is slightly below the national average, the stable job market and average cost of living indicate a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, earning potential.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($33,260) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia affect a Cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $36,700 salary for Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means your earnings will likely cover typical expenses without significant strain compared to other major US cities.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
The job outlook is positive, with a Location Quotient of 1.06 indicating a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average. Coupled with a workforce of 13,350, this suggests steady demand and opportunities for employment in the region.
How much more can an experienced Cook earn in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
While entry-level positions might offer salaries closer to the lower end, experienced Cooks with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The pay scale typically expands with added responsibilities and years of service.
Does Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia have more restaurant cook jobs than the national average?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates that Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia has a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs per worker compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local market for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,350 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 9.96 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC