North Carolina ranks 39th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, fast food pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($40,300) by $13,550 — a 51% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,920 to $30,740 — a $8,820 spread, 47% tighter than the national $16,610 range.
Cooks, Fast Food are more concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 4.20 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 4.20× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,920 | $10.54 |
| 25th percentile | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $26,750 | $12.86 |
| 75th percentile | $28,550 | $13.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $30,740 | $14.78 |
| Mean (average) | $26,410 | $12.70 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $26,750 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $40,300 | +51% |
| District of Columbia | $38,350 | +43% |
| New Hampshire | $37,220 | +39% |
| Massachusetts | $37,100 | +39% |
| Vermont | $37,050 | +39% |
| Oregon | $37,020 | +38% |
| Washington | $36,800 | +38% |
| California | $36,410 | +36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $26,560 | 13,870 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $27,040 | 4,550 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $26,300 | 9,190 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,300 | 4,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $27,320 | 4,950 |
| Cashiers | $27,930 | 115,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Fast Food salary in North Carolina?
The mean cooks, fast food salary in North Carolina is $26,410 per year. The median (middle) salary is $26,750 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in North Carolina?
Entry-level cooks, fast foods (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $21,920 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $23,020 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Fast Food salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $30,740 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $28,550 per year.
How does the North Carolina Cooks, Fast Food salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, fast food salary in North Carolina is $26,750, which is -11% below national average of $30,160.