Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Cooks, Short Order earn an average annual salary of $32,240. This figure is below the national average of $35,650, reflecting localized market dynamics and potentially a different cost-of-labor structure within the region. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary indicates a specific regional compensation trend for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,000.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, comprises approximately 250 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of 0.74 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit modest, need for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-9.6%below the national average.
$15.5
$620
$2,687
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, have experienced gradual growth, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical for service industry roles, driven by factors such as increased operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for food services within the community.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,910 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,180 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,620 | $15.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,300 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,000 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,240 for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay retains its relative value within the local economic landscape.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.74
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.76x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the job market for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, it may not be a dominant employment sector compared to other industries in the region. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,570↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,290↓ 3% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,850↓ 23% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $32,240. This typically ranges from $24,910 for entry-level positions to $37,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 9.6% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,240 is below the national average of $35,650, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($31,570) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is $32,240, which is lower than the national average of $35,650.
What is the Cost of Living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating a neutral cost of living.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Short Order in this area?
The job market for Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, has a Location Quotient of 0.76, meaning it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Short Order in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
There are approximately 250 Cooks, Short Order employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.74 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC