RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Cooks, Restaurant salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Raleigh 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$36,010
Mean annual$35,640
Range (10th to 90th)$28,080 to $45,580
Raleigh, North Carolina employment7,610
State vs national-3.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Raleigh cooks, restaurant fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$28,08025TH$29,960MEDIAN$36,01075TH$37,97090TH$45,580

The middle 50% of workers earn between $29,960 and $37,970, with a median of $36,010.

Typical entry

  • Education

    No formal credential

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Food Production

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.6 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.5 / 5
  • Manual Dexterity

    Ability

    3.1 / 5
  • Information Ordering

    Ability

    3.1 / 5
  • Monitoring

    Cross-functional

    3.1 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment, work surfaces, and serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.

  2. 02

    Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.

  3. 03

    Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.

  4. 04

    Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.

  5. 05

    Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.

  6. 06

    Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.

  7. 07

    Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.

  8. 08

    Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.

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Other metros in North Carolina

How the Raleigh metro compares to other major North Carolina metro areas for cooks, restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Cooks, Restaurant in the Raleigh metropolitan area is $36,010.
Does Raleigh pay more than the North Carolina state average for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Raleigh metro median is +2.2% versus the North Carolina state median of $35,240.
How does Raleigh compare to the national median for Cooks, Restaurant?
The Raleigh metro median is -3.6% versus the BLS national figure of $37,372.
What is the salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Raleigh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $28,080 and the 90th-percentile at $45,580 for the Raleigh metro area.
What education is required for Cooks, Restaurant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as No formal credential. 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 Raleigh 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.