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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Jacksonville, NC

Cooks in Jacksonville, NC earn an average annual salary of $30,610, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand within the Jacksonville culinary scene, and the overall cost of labor in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,070.
  • Outlook: The Jacksonville, NC market for Cooks, Restaurant is moderately concentrated, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.62, suggesting a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 810 individuals in this profession and 15.25 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable, though not indicative of rapid expansion.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,610

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC earns-18.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.7

Weekly

$589

Monthly

$2,551

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, NC

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized expertise and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,460$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,958$11
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,270$14.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,263$18.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,070$17.8

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $30,610 in Jacksonville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

15.249

Per 1K Jobs

1.62

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Jacksonville, NC 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.62 signifies that Jacksonville, NC, has a higher concentration of restaurant cooks relative to the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market for these roles, but also indicates a robust demand for culinary talent within the local economy, making it a significant sector for employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Wilmington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$34,320↑ 12%46 mi
Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,410↑ 3%55 mi
Greenville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,550↑ 6%60 mi
Rocky Mount, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,350↑ 2%89 mi
Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,580↑ 3%93 mi

Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, NC

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Jacksonville, NC?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC is $30,610. This typically ranges from $22,460 for entry-level positions to $37,070 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, NC is 18.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Jacksonville, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,610 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable.

Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wilmington, NC ($34,320) and Goldsboro, NC.

How does the Jacksonville, NC salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Jacksonville, NC earn an average of $30,610 annually, which is approximately $7,090 less than the national average salary of $37,700.

What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Jacksonville, NC?

Jacksonville, NC has a higher concentration of restaurant cooks than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.62, indicating a significant presence of this profession.

How does the cost of living in Jacksonville, NC affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Jacksonville, NC is at the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $30,610 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total workforce size for Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC?

There are approximately 810 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Jacksonville, NC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Jacksonville, NC area with a job density of 15.249 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jacksonville, NC