Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$36,200$17.40 per hour · $3,017 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Asheville, NC
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (NC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $13.75/hr | $2,383 | $28,600 | $24,528 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.62/hr | $2,533 | $30,400 | $25,902 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.40/hr | $3,017 | $36,200 | $30,331 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.80/hr | $3,258 | $39,100 | $32,545 |
| 90th Percentile | $22.36/hr | $3,875 | $46,500 | $38,196 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Asheville, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$36,200 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare restaurant cooks salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in North Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooks, Restaurant Pay in Asheville, NC
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC is $36,200, which equates to approximately $3,017 per month or $17.40 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC is $17.40 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.75/hour and one in ten earned more than $22.36/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Asheville, NC span from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $30,400 at the 25th, $39,100 at the 75th, and $46,500 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Asheville, NC?
On a median gross salary of $36,200, an estimated $30,331 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,167 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,869 (an effective rate of 16.2%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Asheville, NC?
On the median annual salary of $36,200, gross monthly income is $3,017. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,528 per month (or $1,167 every two weeks).
Is $36,200 a good salary in Asheville, NC?
At $36,200, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 50.4% of the Asheville, NC median household income ($71,838). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 96.5, making regional consumer goods and services 3.5% cheaper than the U.S. average.