Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Cooks in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area earn an average annual salary of $35,640. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that while the demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially the cost of labor contribute to this differential. Understanding these nuances is key for culinary professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,580.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary region supports a substantial workforce of 7,610 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-5.5%below the national average.
$17.1
$685
$2,970
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh-Cary, NC have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic growth and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in this field within the region.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
The salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh-Cary, NC significantly expands with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,730 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,010 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,550 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,580 | $21.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,640 in Raleigh-Cary, NC aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for cooks in this area.
Job Market Context
7,610
Total Jobs
10.518
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 for Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh-Cary, NC signifies a market where this profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with a steady demand for culinary skills, potentially offering more opportunities than in areas with a lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,290↑ 2% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,350↓ 12% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,410↓ 12% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 8% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,580↓ 11% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $35,640. This typically ranges from $28,080 for entry-level positions to $45,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 5.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately lucrative, with stable purchasing power.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings hold their value. The slightly higher concentration of jobs suggests good opportunity.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($36,290) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Experience is a significant factor, with entry-level cooks earning less than their senior counterparts. As cooks gain more experience and potentially specialize, their earning potential increases considerably, reflected in wider salary percentiles.
What is the job outlook for cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The outlook appears positive, supported by a substantial local workforce and a Location Quotient above the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for restaurant cooks in the area.
How does the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC compare to other cities?
Raleigh-Cary, NC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the typical U.S. city.
Is the salary for cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC competitive?
The average salary is slightly lower than the national average, but when factoring in the cost of living, the purchasing power is equivalent. The market concentration suggests a competitive but stable environment for culinary professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,610 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 10.518 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC