Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Raleigh, NC

In Raleigh, NC, cooks in the restaurant industry typically earn a median annual salary of $36,010, which is slightly below the national median of $36,830 for this occupation. When compared to local household income, the earnings of these workers fall significantly short, with the area's median household income standing at $96,066. This disparity highlights a gap between individual earnings in this role and the overall financial landscape for households within the region, suggesting that cooks may need additional sources of income or support to align more closely with local living standards.

Entry-level cooks in Raleigh can expect to earn around $28,080 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile salary figure. In contrast, those who are experienced and at the 75th percentile may earn approximately $37,970 per year, while top earners, representing the 90th percentile, reach up to $45,580 annually. The difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned cooks is driven by factors such as experience, skill proficiency, restaurant prestige, location within the city, and potential for additional responsibilities or supervisory roles that come with tenure. These variables contribute significantly to salary variations across different levels of career progression in this field.