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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Charlotte metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$60,740
Mean annual$71,110
Range (10th to 90th)$45,490 to $118,920
Charlotte, North Carolina employment1,300
State vs national+0.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Charlotte chefs and head cooks fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$45,49025TH$57,960MEDIAN$60,74075TH$78,79090TH$118,920

The middle 50% of workers earn between $57,960 and $78,790, with a median of $60,740.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Food Production

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Coordination

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.

  2. 02

    Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.

  3. 03

    Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.

  4. 04

    Check the quantity and quality of received products.

  5. 05

    Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.

  6. 06

    Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.

  7. 07

    Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.

  8. 08

    Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.

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Other metros in North Carolina

How the Charlotte metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for chefs and head cooks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Charlotte metropolitan area is $60,740.
Does Charlotte pay more than the North Carolina state average for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Charlotte metro median is +1.6% versus the North Carolina state median of $59,810.
How does Charlotte compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Charlotte metro median is +0.2% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.
What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in Charlotte?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,490 and the 90th-percentile at $118,920 for the Charlotte metro area.
What education is required for Chefs and Head Cooks?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Charlotte CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.