How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in North Carolina
Cooks, Restaurants in North Carolina earn a median salary of $35,240/year, which is 4% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $985/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a cooks, restaurant can afford in North Carolina
Becoming a cooks, restaurant in North Carolina
Meet education requirements
Cooks, Restaurant positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many cooks, restaurant positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification
North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in North Carolina
North Carolina employs 50,400 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia and Durham-Chapel Hill.
Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $37K | $17.83/hr | 13,350 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $37K | $17.55/hr | 2,580 |
| Asheville | $36K | $17.4/hr | 2,920 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $36K | $17.31/hr | 7,610 |
| Wilmington | $35K | $16.91/hr | 3,240 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | $35K | $16.83/hr | 700 |
| Winston-Salem | $35K | $16.59/hr | 2,760 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $34K | $16.57/hr | 3,160 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $34K | $16.51/hr | 1,340 |
| Burlington | $34K | $16.4/hr | 750 |
| Greenville | $31K | $14.9/hr | 820 |
| Goldsboro | $30K | $14.32/hr | 440 |
| Rocky Mount | $29K | $14.16/hr | 420 |
| Fayetteville | $29K | $14.11/hr | 1,220 |
| Jacksonville | $29K | $14.07/hr | 810 |
Cooks, Restaurant salary range in North Carolina
Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cooks, restaurant make in North Carolina?▼
The median cooks, restaurant salary in North Carolina is $35,240 per year ($16.94/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $27,080 to $45,190.
What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in North Carolina?▼
Cooks, Restaurant positions in North Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in North Carolina?▼
At the median salary of $35,240, a cooks, restaurant in North Carolina would take home approximately $2,397/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 58.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in North Carolina?▼
The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in North Carolina are Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($37,090), Durham-Chapel Hill ($36,500), Asheville ($36,200). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does North Carolina have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?▼
Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $35,240 salary, this means roughly $1,586/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.