Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Cooks, Restaurant earn an average annual salary of $36,290. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while the demand for culinary professionals is present, local economic factors or market saturation may influence compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone considering a career in this vibrant North Carolina region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,440.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a significant workforce of 2,580 Cooks, Restaurant. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 7.535 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for culinary talent within the region's diverse hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-3.7%below the national average.
$17.5
$698
$3,024
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant across the nation, and likely within the Durham-Chapel Hill area, have experienced a steady upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled labor, and evolving dining trends that necessitate higher-quality culinary services.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers, representing the senior roles, can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the financial rewards of gaining expertise and taking on greater responsibility within a culinary establishment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,960 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,218 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,500 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,363 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,440 | $22.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,290 in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,580
Total Jobs
7.535
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.80x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced environment where employers are actively seeking qualified individuals, but the competition is not as intense as in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,640↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 9% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↓ 7% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↓ 9% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↓ 3% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $36,290. This typically ranges from $23,960 for entry-level positions to $46,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 3.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,290 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no substantial financial gain.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($35,640) and Burlington, NC.
How does the salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $36,290, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC for Cooks, Restaurant?
The cost of living index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has comparable purchasing power to the national standard.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in the Durham-Chapel Hill area?
There are approximately 2,580 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Durham-Chapel Hill has a Location Quotient of 0.8, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,580 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 7.535 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC