Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Rocky Mount, NC
Cooks in Rocky Mount, NC, earn an average annual salary of $31,350, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the specific demand for culinary professionals within the region, and the overall cost of doing business for restaurants in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,470.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Rocky Mount, NC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 420 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly saturated market for culinary talent.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Rocky Mount, NC earns-16.8%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,613
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth is typically driven by increased demand for dining services and a competitive labor market seeking to attract and retain skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Rocky Mount, NC
Experience plays a significant role in salary progression for Cooks. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings between junior and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,900 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,513 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,450 | $14.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,188 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,470 | $18 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,350 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Rocky Mount, NC, for Cooks, Restaurant, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also on par, suggesting a balanced financial standing relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
7.791
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Rocky Mount, NC has 0.83x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.83 for Cooks, Restaurant in Rocky Mount, NC, indicates that the employment concentration for this role is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the market is not as densely populated with such positions as in other areas, potentially offering a stable but less intensely competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,550↑ 4% | 35 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,410↑ 0% | 42 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,640↑ 14% | 48 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,290↑ 16% | 61 mi |
| Jacksonville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,610↓ 2% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rocky Mount, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Rocky Mount, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Rocky Mount, NC is $31,350. This typically ranges from $22,900 for entry-level positions to $37,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rocky Mount, NC is 16.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $31,350 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, offering standard purchasing power.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Rocky Mount, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rocky Mount, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville, NC ($32,550) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does the Rocky Mount salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Rocky Mount, NC, is $31,350, which is approximately $6,350 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Rocky Mount, NC?
Rocky Mount, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Cook positions in Rocky Mount compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Cook positions are slightly less concentrated in Rocky Mount, NC, than the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Rocky Mount, NC?
There are approximately 420 Cooks employed in Rocky Mount, NC, representing 7.791 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Rocky Mount, NC area with a job density of 7.791 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 Rocky Mount, NC