North Carolina ranks 36th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $13,670 — a 40% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,580 to $43,400 — a $17,820 spread, 17% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 2.7% of all cooks, institution and cafeteria in the country (11,970 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $25,580 | $12.30 |
| 25th percentile | $29,820 | $14.34 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| 75th percentile | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,400 | $20.87 |
| Mean (average) | $34,380 | $16.53 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $34,590 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +40% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +37% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +34% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +33% |
| California | $45,680 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +32% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +31% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,570 | 6,480 |
| Tire Repairers and Changers | $34,570 | 3,180 |
| Bakers | $34,430 | 7,540 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | 1,880 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $35,170 | 8,580 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,240 | 50,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in North Carolina?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in North Carolina is $34,380 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,590 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in North Carolina?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $25,580 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,820 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $43,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,670 per year.
How does the North Carolina Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in North Carolina is $34,590, which is -5% below national average of $36,450.