Restaurant Cook Salary in North Carolina
Based on 50K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$35,400
$17.02/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-6.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$28K – $45K
50K employed in North Carolina
The median Restaurant Cook salary in North Carolina is $35,400 per year, which translates to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 6.1% lower than the national average for this role. With over 50,000 individuals employed in this capacity across the state, North Carolina offers a significant number of opportunities for cooks.
Several factors influence the Restaurant Cook salary in North Carolina. Experience level, the specific type of restaurant, its location within the state (e.g., urban vs. rural), and the employer's size and profitability all play a role. Wages can range from $27,980 for entry-level positions to $45,450 for more experienced or specialized roles.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,980 |
| 25th percentile | $29,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $35,400 |
| 75th percentile | $38,170 |
| 90th percentile | $45,450 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,400 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,462 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,400 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $36,462 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $29,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $35,400 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $38,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $45,450 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Restaurant Cook ($35,400 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in NC | $32,150 | -9.2% | $15.46/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in NC | $28,570 | -19.3% | $13.74/hr |
| Receptionist in NC | $35,440 | +0.1% | $17.04/hr |
| Security Guard in NC | $35,010 | -1.1% | $16.83/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NC | $35,950 | +1.6% | $17.28/hr |
| Firefighter in NC | $37,940 | +7.2% | $18.24/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NC | $38,460 | +8.6% | $18.49/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NC | $31,370 | -11.4% | $15.08/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NC | $31,240 | -11.8% | $15.02/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NC | $40,240 | +13.7% | $19.35/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | +17.8% | $20.05/hr |
| Cashier in NC | $28,880 | -18.4% | $13.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for a Restaurant Cook generally falls between $27,980 and $45,450 annually. The median salary is $35,400 per year.
How does the average pay for a Restaurant Cook in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- The average Restaurant Cook salary in North Carolina is 6.1% lower than the national average. This means cooks in North Carolina earn less on average than their counterparts in other states.
What is the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in North Carolina?
- Based on the median annual salary of $35,400, a Restaurant Cook in North Carolina can expect to earn around $17 per hour. This hourly rate is a good benchmark for understanding daily earnings.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in North Carolina?
- There are a substantial number of Restaurant Cooks employed in North Carolina, with the total number reaching 50,150. This indicates a robust job market for this profession within the state.