Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wilmington, NC
Cooks in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $34,320, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demand for culinary professionals within the Wilmington area, and the overall cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,280.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC boasts a substantial local workforce of 3,240 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence in the food service industry. With a Location Quotient of 1.84, the concentration of these roles is nearly double the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Wilmington, NC earns-9.0%below the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,860
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increasing food costs, and a persistent demand for skilled kitchen staff likely contribute to gradual salary growth for cooks in the area.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Cooks in Wilmington, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career advancement opportunities within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,290 | $13.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,740 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,170 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,900 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,280 | $21.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,320 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a cook's earnings in Wilmington is comparable to that of cooks in other average-cost-of-living areas across the country.
Job Market Context
3,240
Total Jobs
17.357
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.8x 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.
Wilmington, NC exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Restaurant, with a Location Quotient of 1.84, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates a higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the general workforce compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive but also opportunity-rich market for culinary professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,610↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,590↓ 2% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,410↓ 8% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,580↓ 8% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,550↓ 5% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Wilmington, NC is $34,320. This typically ranges from $28,290 for entry-level positions to $44,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 9.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Wilmington, NC ($34,320) is below the national average ($37,700), indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($30,610) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the number of cooks in Wilmington compare nationally?
Wilmington has 17.357 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Restaurant, which is considerably higher than the national average, reflecting a strong local presence.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for cooks in Wilmington?
A Location Quotient of 1.84 means that Wilmington has 84% more cooks relative to its workforce than the national average, indicating a higher concentration and demand for these roles.
Does experience impact a cook's salary in Wilmington?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills typically earn more than entry-level positions.
How does Wilmington's cost of living affect a cook's salary?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $34,320 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,240 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 17.357 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Restaurant Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Wilmington, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Wilmington, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC