Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Wilmington, NC

In Wilmington, NC, cooks working in restaurants typically earn a median annual salary of $35,170, which translates to approximately $16.91 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for cooks at $36,830. When compared to the local household income, which stands at $73,687, it's evident that the earnings for cooks represent roughly 47.8% of a typical Wilmington household’s annual income. Despite this disparity, the job market remains relatively stable in the area, with an unemployment rate of only 3.50%, suggesting competitive employment opportunities within this occupation.

Entry-level cooks in Wilmington earn closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, with incomes starting around $28,290 at the 10th percentile. As experience increases, salaries tend to rise significantly; for instance, those at the 75th percentile earn about $36,420 annually, while experienced workers at the 90th percentile can make up to $44,280. The progression in earnings primarily reflects factors such as accumulated skills, job performance, and tenure within a restaurant setting. Additionally, higher levels of responsibility or specialized culinary expertise often contribute to increased salaries for more seasoned cooks.