Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Cooks in Fayetteville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $31,580, which is below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Fayetteville metropolitan area for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,380.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,220 Cooks, Fayetteville presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Fayetteville is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a steady presence of opportunities without an overwhelming surplus.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fayetteville, NC earns-16.2%below the national average.
$15.2
$607
$2,632
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fayetteville is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fayetteville, NC
Salary progression for Cooks in Fayetteville, NC, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs or cooks with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,400 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,685 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,350 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,475 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,380 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,580 in Fayetteville, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Fayetteville is equivalent to the national average.
Job Market Context
1,220
Total Jobs
9.157
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Fayetteville, NC has 0.97x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.97 for Cooks, Restaurant in Fayetteville, NC, indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, making it neither overly competitive nor exceptionally abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,170↑ 11% | 29 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,640↑ 13% | 55 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↑ 4% | 60 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↑ 11% | 60 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,710↑ 4% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fayetteville, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fayetteville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fayetteville, NC is $31,580. This typically ranges from $23,400 for entry-level positions to $37,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fayetteville, NC is 16.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Fayetteville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,580 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the difference in purchasing power.
Is Fayetteville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Fayetteville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fayetteville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC ($35,170) and Raleigh-Cary, NC.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Fayetteville, NC?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases for Cooks in Fayetteville. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary skills and a proven track record can earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Cooks in Fayetteville?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 means that the concentration of Cook jobs in Fayetteville is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a stable job market that is not overly saturated with culinary professionals relative to the number of available positions.
How does Fayetteville's cost of living compare to the national average for Cooks?
Fayetteville's Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, matching the national average. This means that the $31,580 salary earned by Cooks in Fayetteville has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have across the country.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Fayetteville, NC?
There are approximately 1,220 Cooks employed in Fayetteville, NC, contributing to a local workforce that supports the city's dining and hospitality sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the Fayetteville, NC area with a job density of 9.157 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 Fayetteville, NC