Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,060. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and market demand can influence compensation structures. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration in this part of North Carolina shape the earning potential for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,690.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 3,800 Cooks, Restaurant, this region demonstrates a significant presence of culinary talent. The Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized market for restaurant cooks within Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-7.0%below the national average.
$16.9
$674
$2,922
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a persistent demand for skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in average earnings for these professionals.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions often fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs or those with specialized culinary expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,910 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,295 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,590 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,825 | $21.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,690 | $22.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,060 in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
3,800
Total Jobs
14.868
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area 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 1.58 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant are more concentrated in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market for employers seeking skilled culinary staff. It indicates that this region has a notable reliance on, or specialization in, restaurant cooking roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,170↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 6% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,050↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,290↑ 4% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $35,060. This typically ranges from $27,910 for entry-level positions to $46,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 7.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,060 is below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.58) indicates strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,670) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 14.868 jobs per 1,000 workers, this region has a higher density of restaurant cook positions compared to the national average, indicating a specialized job market.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in this area?
There are approximately 3,800 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact a cook's salary in Western North Carolina?
Yes, as in most culinary roles, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior cooks or those with specialized skills can expect to earn more than entry-level positions, reflecting a typical career progression.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in this region?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $35,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the slightly lower nominal wage is offset by comparable living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,800 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 14.868 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area