Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Asheville, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Asheville, NC

Median annual salary $27,340 -9.4% vs national
Median hourly $13.14
10th percentile $22,260
90th percentile $33,410
Employed locally 3,130
National median $30,160

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Cooks, Fast Food
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Asheville, NC
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    In Asheville, NC, cooks in the fast food sector earn a median annual salary of $27,340, which is lower than the national median for this occupation at $30,160. On an hourly basis, they make approximately $13.14. When compared to the local median household income of $69,236, it's evident that the earnings of fast food cooks constitute about 39% of a typical Asheville household's annual income. This disparity highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals working in this role, as their income is considerably lower than what might be required for a single person to support themselves at the local median standard.

    Entry-level cooks in the Asheville area earn around $22,260 annually, which corresponds with the 10th percentile of earnings data. In contrast, experienced workers earning closer to the 75th percentile make about $28,680 per year. The difference between entry-level and more seasoned fast food cooks can be attributed to several factors including tenure, skill level, and potential for incremental wage increases over time. Additional responsibilities or shifts in demand may also drive higher wages within this range. This income progression underscores the importance of experience and performance in enhancing earning potential in the fast-food industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,260
    25th
    $23,620
    50th (median)
    $27,340
    75th
    $28,680
    90th
    $33,410

    Asheville economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,236 2023 • Census ACS
    Cooks, Fast Food salary vs area income 39% Median Cooks, Fast Food salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Cooks, Fast Food make per hour in Asheville?

    The median hourly wage for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville, NC is $13.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.94 or more per hour.

    Is Asheville above or below average for Cooks, Fast Food salaries?

    The median Cooks, Fast Food salary in Asheville, NC is 9.4% below the national median of $30,160. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Asheville?

    Entry-level Cooks, Fast Food (10th percentile) earn around $22,260 per year in Asheville, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,620.