Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $25,420. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,550.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-28.7%below the national average.
$12.2
$489
$2,118
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have remained stable with a modest increase of 1.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $22,670, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $32,550.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,670 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,065 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,990 | $12 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,775 | $15.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,550 | $15.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $25,420 to $25,420.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $31,220↑ 23% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,370↑ 16% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,780↑ 17% | 65 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,980↑ 14% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $25,420. This typically ranges from $22,670 for entry-level positions to $32,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 28.7% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $25,420 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($31,220) and Spartanburg, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC