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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in North Carolina

Cooks in North Carolina can expect an average annual salary of $34,820, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary professionals within the state, and the overall cost of living, which can impact wage structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,190.
  • Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 50,400 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and stable job market with consistent demand for culinary talent across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,820

The average Cooks, Restaurant in North Carolina earns-7.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$670

Monthly

$2,902

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in North Carolina

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,080$13
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,115$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,240$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,525$20.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,190$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,691

Adjusted for COL (94.9)

The average annual salary of $34,820 in North Carolina aligns favorably with its Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (where 100 is the national average). This means that the nominal salary earned by cooks in the state generally offers a good purchasing power, as everyday expenses tend to be slightly lower than the national benchmark.

Job Market Context

50,400

Total Jobs

10.289

Per 1K Jobs

1.09

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.09, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.09, North Carolina shows a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive but accessible job market, indicating that while there are plenty of opportunities, the demand is also present enough to support a healthy number of professionals in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,670↓ 3%32 mi
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$35,170↑ 1%36 mi
Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,950↓ 5%36 mi
Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,050↓ 5%41 mi
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary$36,290↑ 4%56 mi

Comparing salaries near North Carolina

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in North Carolina is $34,820. This typically ranges from $27,080 for entry-level positions to $45,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 7.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, it offers good value for money.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, North Carolina's lower cost of living means your earnings can provide a comfortable lifestyle. The stable job market also presents consistent opportunities.

Is North Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,670) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.

What is the average salary for a Cook, Restaurant in North Carolina?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in North Carolina is $34,820.

How does North Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?

North Carolina's cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, with an index of 94.9 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

Is the job market for Cooks, Restaurant strong in North Carolina?

Yes, with a total local workforce of 50,400 and a Location Quotient of 1.09, the job market shows a healthy concentration and demand for these roles.

How does experience affect a Cook's salary in North Carolina?

Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher pay, reflecting clear career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50,400 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 10.289 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 North Carolina