Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Cooks in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $33,050, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity can be attributed to several local economic factors, including the specific demand for culinary services and the overall wage structure within the region's hospitality sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,410.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem supports a substantial workforce of 2,760 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence in the local job market. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a robust employment landscape for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Winston-Salem, NC earns-12.3%below the national average.
$15.9
$636
$2,754
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Winston-Salem is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments within the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Winston-Salem typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and leadership skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting significant career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,890 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,788 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,510 | $16.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,313 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,410 | $20.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,050 in Winston-Salem aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.
Job Market Context
2,760
Total Jobs
10.11
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Winston-Salem, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies that Winston-Salem has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively stable and potentially more abundant than in many other regions, offering a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,670↑ 2% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,930↓ 0% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,060↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,710↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,950↓ 0% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Winston-Salem, NC is $33,050. This typically ranges from $23,890 for entry-level positions to $43,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 12.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Winston-Salem is below the national figure, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($33,670) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Winston-Salem?
Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level cooks earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and supervisory experience can earn considerably more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 2,760 Cooks employed in Winston-Salem, NC, representing a substantial segment of the local food service workforce.
How does Winston-Salem's job market for Cooks compare nationally?
Winston-Salem's job market for Cooks is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.07, suggesting a healthy demand for these professionals.
Is the cost of living in Winston-Salem high?
No, the cost of living in Winston-Salem is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means your money generally goes as far as it does nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,760 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 10.11 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 Winston-Salem, NC