Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Cooks in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $33,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's culinary sector. The prevailing wage reflects the unique economic landscape of this North Carolina region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,340 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.92, the job market in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton shows a slight underrepresentation compared to the national average. This suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these roles, indicating a moderate level of job security for existing professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.8%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,772
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a gradual upward trajectory in earnings, though the pace of increase may vary based on local market dynamics and restaurant industry performance.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,290 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,945 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,340 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,575 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,910 | $21.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,260 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced with the local wage rates.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
8.672
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.92x 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 0.92 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant industry within the local economy, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,700↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,580↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,050↓ 1% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,590↑ 7% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,990↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $33,260. This typically ranges from $24,290 for entry-level positions to $43,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 11.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,260 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal wage suggests less earning potential.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($36,700) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?
There are approximately 8.672 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant in the area?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Restaurant in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is approximately 1,340 individuals.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in this region?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with advanced skills and a proven track record generally earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
The cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is at the national average (100). This means the $33,260 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 8.672 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC