Creative & Education North Carolina (NC) Rank #29 of 50

Chef Salary in North Carolina

The median chef salary in North Carolina is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$51,998
vs National
$-4,522
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Chef Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $38,824
Median (50th) $51,998
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $89,976

Major Cities for Chefs in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for chefs in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Charlotte, NC
Metro area for chef employment
Raleigh, NC
Metro area for chef employment
Durham, NC
Metro area for chef employment
Greensboro, NC
Metro area for chef employment
Winston-Salem, NC
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in North Carolina

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.