Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in North Carolina (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 35-1011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for chefs and head cooks in North Carolina is $61,130 per year (gross, before tax) — 2.1% below the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 5,000 people work in this occupation in North Carolina. Negotiating an offer in North Carolina? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
North Carolina Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,210 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $48,360 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $61,130 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $76,330 | Experienced |
| 90th | $92,210 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
A new job often means a new city, car or mortgage application — check your score first. 7-day trial for $1.
Start $1 Trial →How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $79,930 | +27.9% |
| Hawaii | $77,360 | +23.8% |
| District of Columbia | $76,420 | +22.3% |
| Washington | $76,010 | +21.7% |
| North Dakota | $74,740 | +19.6% |
| New Jersey | $74,280 | +18.9% |
| Wyoming | $73,170 | +17.1% |
| South Carolina | $71,860 | +15.0% |
| New York | $70,670 | +13.1% |
| Tennessee | $69,810 | +11.7% |
| North Carolina | $61,130 | -2.1% |
All states for chefs and head cooks →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in North Carolina? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in North Carolina · UK data for this occupation
Related Hospitality & Catering Roles in North Carolina
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chefs and head cooks in North Carolina?
The median salary in North Carolina is $61,130 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $63,960.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the US national average?
North Carolina is 2.1% below the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation.
Which US state pays chefs and head cooks the most?
Rhode Island has the highest median pay for this occupation at $79,930 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25