Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Western North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $57,830 -5.2% vs national
Median hourly $27.80
10th percentile $39,100
90th percentile $89,310
Employed locally 310
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Western North Carolina
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,100
    25th
    $45,090
    50th (median)
    $57,830
    75th
    $73,180
    90th
    $89,310

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $26,760
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,570
    Waiters and Waitresses $26,710
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,590
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $39,810
    Food Preparation Workers $28,540

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Western North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina is $27.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $43.92 or more per hour.

    Is Western North Carolina above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Western North Carolina is 5.2% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $39,100 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,090.