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Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Cooks, Short Order in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $24,850. This figure significantly trails the national average of $35,650, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles outside of major urban centers. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region directly influence compensation levels for these positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $24,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,540.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Short Order in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is characterized by a modest workforce of 230 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 0.881, further indicates a steady presence of this occupation within the regional labor force.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$24,850

The average Cooks, Short Order in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-30.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12

Weekly

$478

Monthly

$2,071

Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for Cooks, Short Order. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the career trajectory available, with senior cooks earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,430$8.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$18,638$9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,160$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$31,063$14.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$30,540$14.7

Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$24,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$24,850

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $24,850 in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the norm.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.881

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.90x 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 0.9, the job market for Cooks, Short Order in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector compared to other regions, indicating a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order

Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $24,850. This typically ranges from $17,430 for entry-level positions to $30,540 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 30.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.

Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders.The average salary of $24,850 is substantially lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is on par with the national average, the overall compensation is not competitive.

Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?

The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Winston-Salem, NC ($29,780) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Short Order in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is $24,850, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,650.

What is the Cost of Living in this area?

The Cost of Living Index for the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated are Cook, Short Order jobs in this region?

The concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.9, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant market.

What is the total workforce size for this role locally?

There are approximately 230 Cooks, Short Order employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.881 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.