Cooks (Restaurant) Salary in North Carolina
Cooks (Restaurant) in North Carolina earn a median of $35,400 a year, −5% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $35,400
- vs. U.S. median
- −5% ($37,390)
- Rank among states
- 40 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 50,150
Pay range in North Carolina
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,980; the top 10% earn over $45,450. Nationally the range is $28,700 to $47,900.
States ranked near North Carolina
Similar jobs in North Carolina
- Cooks, Fast Food$27,190 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Short Order$31,290 median in North Carolina
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$38,240 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$36,140 median in North Carolina
- Bakers$34,510 median in North Carolina
- Food Preparation Workers$30,260 median in North Carolina
Cooks (Restaurant) pay in North Carolina
How much do cooks (restaurant) make in North Carolina?
The median is $35,400 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,980 and the top 10% earn over $45,450. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is North Carolina a good state for cooks (restaurant)?
On pay alone it ranks 40 of 51 (−5% vs. the national median of $37,390). Living costs are not included.