📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$33,015
per year
Median
$30,285
per year
Hourly
$15.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,369
25th Percentile — Junior$28,465
50th Percentile — Median$30,285
75th Percentile — Senior$39,931
90th Percentile — Top Earners$43,769
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in North Carolina make up to $43,769 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$29.2k
2021
$29.9k
2022
$30.7k
2023
$31.4k
2024
$32.2k
2025
$33.0k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $31,694 -4.0% High
Raleigh $32,355 -2.0% High
Greensboro $29,714 -10.0% High
Durham $32,025 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $28,723 -13.0% High
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $33,015 per year, North Carolina's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $23,369–$28,465, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $39,931–$43,769.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in North Carolina is $33,015 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $33,015/year, North Carolina Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $36,280/year.