Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$61,130
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.2% vs 2024
$63,960
Mean Salary
$61,130
Median Salary
$29.39
Hourly Rate
4,920 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina earn a median salary of $61,130 per year ($5,094/month).
This is 1.3% below the national average of $61,962.
North Carolina ranks #29 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 4,920 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina range from $38,210 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $92,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,360 and $76,330.
Median $61,130
P10: $38,210P25: $48,360P75: $76,330P90: $92,210
10th
$38,210
25th
$48,360
Median
$61,130
75th
$76,330
90th
$92,210
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,210
$18.37
$3,184
25th Percentile
$48,360
$23.25
$4,030
Median (50th)
$61,130
$29.39
$5,094
75th Percentile
$76,330
$36.70
$6,360
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$92,210
$44.33
$7,684
Note: The mean (average) salary of $63,960 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina is $61,130 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $63,960.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina range from $38,210 at the 10th percentile to $92,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,360 and $76,330.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in North Carolina typically start around $38,210 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,920 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in North Carolina is approximately $29.39 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.