Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Cooks in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area earn an average annual salary of $35,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating localized economic factors and demand specific to the region influence compensation. The unique economic landscape and industry concentration within Pinehurst-Southern Pines play a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,070.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, appears robust, with a local workforce of 700 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.85 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the general workforce in this area. This elevated quotient points to a strong demand and potentially a more competitive environment for culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC earns-6.7%below the national average.
$16.9
$676
$2,931
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Cooks over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing demand for skilled culinary staff typically drive modest salary growth in most sectors, including the restaurant industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Salary progression for Cooks in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, illustrate this career trajectory and the potential for substantial income growth as one advances.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,378 | $12.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,010 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,963 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,070 | $21.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,170 in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American city.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
17.469
Per 1K Jobs
1.85
Location Quotient
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC has 1.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.85, Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, exhibits a notably higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the local market has a greater demand for these professionals relative to its overall workforce size, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also increased competition among job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,580↓ 10% | 29 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↓ 6% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↓ 0% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,710↓ 7% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 6% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is $35,170. This typically ranges from $27,690 for entry-level positions to $45,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 6.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,170 is below the national average of $37,700, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. The high location quotient suggests strong local demand, which could offer stability but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($31,580) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the concentration of Cooks jobs in Pinehurst-Southern Pines compare nationally?
Pinehurst-Southern Pines has a significantly higher concentration of Cooks jobs, with a Location Quotient of 1.85, meaning there are nearly twice as many Cooks jobs per worker compared to the national average.
What is the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of the average $35,170 salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines is equivalent to the national average, meaning your money goes as far as it would in a typical US city.
How many Cooks are employed in Pinehurst-Southern Pines?
There are approximately 700 Cooks employed in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in this area?
Yes, like most roles, experience plays a crucial part in salary determination for Cooks. Senior roles and those with specialized culinary skills typically command higher wages than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area with a job density of 17.469 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 Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC