Cook in Cary, NC
Cooks in Cary, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $16.15 per hour, which translates to about $646.00 per week, $2,799.33 per month, and $33,592.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Cary is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in the local food service industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Cary, NC?
The salary of a Cook in Cary varies based on experience, skills, and the specific employer. Here is an overview of typical earnings at different levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.84 | $433.60 | $1,875.73 | $22,547.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.15 | $646.00 | $2,799.33 | $33,592.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.06 | $962.40 | $4,167.20 | $50,044.80 |
Do Cooks in Cary Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips since their role mainly involves food preparation behind the scenes. Their earnings mostly come from their hourly wages rather than tips.
Cook Salary in Cary vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.15 per hour, which translates to about $33,592.00 per year.
In Cary, the average Cook salary closely matches the national average, showing consistency with broader market trends.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Cary for Cooks
Nearby locations offer slightly different pay scales for Cooks, including:
- Downtown Cary: $17.50 per hour
- Preston: $18.00 per hour
Working in Preston provides a bit higher hourly wages than Downtown Cary, offering opportunities for increased earnings nearby.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Cary?
Several factors impact how much a Cook can earn in Cary:
- Experience: More experienced Cooks command higher wages due to skill proficiency and efficiency.
- Skill Level: Specialized culinary skills, such as knowledge of particular cuisines or cooking techniques, can boost pay.
- Type of Establishment: Cooks working at upscale or specialty restaurants generally earn more than those at fast food or casual dining places.
- Certifications: Holding certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler can influence earning potential positively.
- Shift Timing: Working nights or weekends might come with shift differentials increasing hourly wages.
How To Become a Cook in Cary
Starting a career as a Cook in Cary involves gaining the right skills and credentials:
- Consider enrolling in culinary training programs such as those at Wake Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program or The Chef's Academy at Raleigh-Durham, which offer comprehensive education in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Acquire essential certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, crucial for understanding food safety practices.
- Depending on your career path, you may also need permits like the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission Permit if working with alcoholic beverage preparation.
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level cooking roles to develop practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Cary
Several notable employers in Cary frequently seek skilled Cooks:
- Whole Foods Market
- Chuy's
- Olive Garden
Establishments That Cooks in Cary Work At
Cooks in Cary find employment across various types of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Offer consistent work and moderate pay with opportunities to learn.
- Fast Casual Chains: Typically have faster-paced environments with steady pay but less flexibility.
- Fine Dining: Provide higher salaries and require advanced cooking skills and presentation techniques.
- Catering Companies and Hotels: Often offer varied work hours and sometimes better compensation packages.
The type of establishment greatly affects the Cook’s salary, with upscale and fine dining venues normally paying better than casual settings.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Cary for Cooks
For those exploring careers related to cooking, here are some similar roles to consider that offer different challenges and growth paths:
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, each with varying responsibilities and salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Cary
Cooks working in Cary should be knowledgeable about applicable labor regulations and tax matters.
- You can find relevant North Carolina state labor laws and worker resources at the official North Carolina government website.
- For federal employment laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.