North Carolina ranks 36th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, restaurant pay, trailing top-paying Massachusetts ($46,280) by $11,040 — a 31% gap.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.5% of all cooks, restaurant in the country (50,400 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $27,080 | $13.02 |
| 25th percentile | $29,280 | $14.08 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,240 | $16.94 |
| 75th percentile | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,190 | $21.73 |
| Mean (average) | $34,820 | $16.74 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $35,240 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +31% |
| District of Columbia | $45,230 | +28% |
| Washington | $44,980 | +28% |
| Maine | $44,870 | +27% |
| Hawaii | $44,710 | +27% |
| Vermont | $44,560 | +26% |
| California | $44,290 | +26% |
| New York | $39,890 | +13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $35,290 | 2,030 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $35,170 | 8,580 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $35,350 | 88,230 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $35,400 | 25,050 |
| Parts Salespersons | $35,630 | 9,730 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | 1,880 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Restaurant salary in North Carolina?
The mean cooks, restaurant salary in North Carolina is $34,820 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,240 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in North Carolina?
Entry-level cooks, restaurants (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $27,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $29,280 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Restaurant salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $45,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,800 per year.
How does the North Carolina Cooks, Restaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, restaurant salary in North Carolina is $35,240, which is -4% below national average of $36,830.