Cook in Fayetteville, NC
Cooks in Fayetteville, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $12.55 per hour, which translates to about $502.00 per week, $2,175.33 per month, and $26,104.00 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Fayetteville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increased opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Fayetteville, NC?
The salary of a Cook in Fayetteville can vary depending on experience, skill level, and employer type. Below is an approximate breakdown of earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.01 | $400.40 | $1,734.53 | $20,820.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $12.55 | $502.00 | $2,175.33 | $26,104.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $15.74 | $629.60 | $2,721.73 | $32,739.20 |
Do Cooks in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips as their role is generally behind the scenes and not directly involved in customer service. Their compensation usually comes solely from wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16.00 per hour, equating to about $33,280 annually.
Compared to this, Cooks in Fayetteville earn less at approximately $12.55 per hour and $26,104 annually, which may reflect regional cost of living differences and local market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Cooks
Cooks in nearby areas to Fayetteville receive different pay rates:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $13.50 per hour
- Haymount: $14.00 per hour
Those working in Haymount tend to earn the highest wages, likely due to upscale establishments and higher demand for skilled culinary professionals.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors influence how much a Cook earns in Fayetteville:
- Experience: More experienced Cooks generally command higher pay due to refined culinary skills and efficiency.
- Skills and Specializations: Cooks with expertise in certain cuisines or cooking techniques may earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and catering companies often pay better than fast food or casual dining.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might come with shift differentials boosting earnings.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary certifications and food safety credentials can increase employability and salary potential.
How To Become a Cook in Fayetteville
To become a Cook in Fayetteville, consider the following steps:
- Pursue Culinary Education: Programs like the Fayetteville Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety.
- Consider Hospitality Management: Methodist University Hospitality Management Program includes education focused on the business aspects of the food service industry, useful for career advancement.
- Get Certified: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is nationally recognized and often required for Cooks in North Carolina. Additionally, the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential through the American Culinary Federation demonstrates foundational culinary knowledge.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships provide hands-on skills essential for growth.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Fayetteville
If you’re looking to work as a Cook in Fayetteville, some of the top employers to consider include:
- US Department of Veterans Affairs
- First Watch
- Dismas Charities
Establishments That Cooks in Fayetteville Work At
Cooks in Fayetteville typically find employment across diverse establishments such as:
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Pay may be moderate, with a fast-paced work environment.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide better pay and benefits due to scale and clientele.
- Catering Services: Can offer varying pay depending on event size and type.
- Institutional Food Services: Hospitals, schools, and government facilities usually offer steady employment with competitive wages.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary, with upscale or specialized venues offering the greatest earning potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Cooks
If you are interested in careers related to Cook, you might consider similar positions that offer overlapping skills and career paths.
These include Fry Cook, Line Cook, and Prep Cook – all essential roles within the kitchen hierarchy.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Fayetteville
Cooks working in Fayetteville need to understand relevant labor laws and taxation requirements.
- You can review North Carolina's labor laws and employment services on the official State of North Carolina website.
- Federal labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime regulations, are detailed on the U.S. Department of Labor site.
- Local government information and services for workers are available at the City of Fayetteville's official site.