Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

In Charlotte, North Carolina-South Carolina area, cooks working in institutions and cafeterias earn a median annual salary of $35,770, which translates to a median hourly wage of $17.20. This figure is slightly below the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $36,450. When compared to the local household income, which has an area median of $80,201, the earnings of cooks in this region represent approximately 44.6% of a typical household's income. The local unemployment rate is relatively low at 3.60%, indicating a stable job market for these workers.

Entry-level cooks earn around $23,950 annually (10th percentile), while those with more experience can make up to $44,560 (90th percentile). More experienced cooks tend to find themselves closer to the 75th percentile earnings of $38,690. The disparity between entry-level and seasoned professionals is driven by several factors, including years of service, skill level, and institutional demand for experienced staff who can manage complex kitchen operations efficiently. As workers gain experience and possibly additional qualifications or certifications, their earning potential increases within this field.