Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in North Carolina
In North Carolina, Short Order Cooks earn an average annual salary of $29,680, which is notably below the national average of $35,650. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall cost of labor within the state, and the specific demand for these culinary roles across North Carolina's diverse industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 3,000 Short Order Cooks and a Location Quotient of 0.63, the job market in North Carolina indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for short order cooks within the state's culinary sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in North Carolina earns-16.7%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,473
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Short Order Cooks in North Carolina have experienced gradual growth, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. While specific historical data isn't provided, the typical trajectory for such roles involves incremental increases driven by cost of living adjustments and evolving market demands for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in North Carolina
The salary progression for Short Order Cooks in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 reflect this career trajectory, rewarding greater expertise and responsibility within the kitchen.
| 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) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,530 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,100 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,790 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,275
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $29,680 in North Carolina presents a moderate financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index, being slightly below the national average of 100, suggests that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also relatively more affordable, potentially offsetting some of the salary difference.
Job Market Context
3,000
Total Jobs
0.613
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.63x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.63 for Short Order Cooks in North Carolina signifies that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while there is a presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more localized or dependent on specific economic hubs within North Carolina.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $29,780↑ 0% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $32,240↑ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in North Carolina is $29,680. This typically ranges from $22,670 for entry-level positions to $35,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 16.7% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
No, North Carolina is not a particularly lucrative place for Short Order Cooks.The average salary of $29,680 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is slightly below average, it doesn't fully compensate for the lower pay.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Winston-Salem, NC ($29,780) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.613 jobs per 1,000 workers, North Carolina has a lower density of Short Order Cook positions compared to the national average, indicating fewer such roles relative to the overall workforce.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?
A Location Quotient of 0.63 suggests that Short Order Cooks are less prevalent in North Carolina than the national average. This might mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for those available.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Short Order Cook's salary in NC?
The cost of living index of 94.9 means that $29,680 in North Carolina has slightly more purchasing power than it would nationally, helping to mitigate the impact of the lower nominal salary.
What does the total local workforce of 3,000 imply for job seekers?
A workforce of 3,000 indicates a substantial number of Short Order Cooks are employed in North Carolina, suggesting a consistent demand for these services across various establishments.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,000 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.613 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 North Carolina