Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$36,800$17.69 per hour · $3,067 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Cooks, Restaurant Wage Percentiles in Raleigh-Cary, 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 | $13.99/hr | $2,425 | $29,100 | $24,909 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.86/hr | $2,575 | $30,900 | $26,284 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $17.69/hr | $3,067 | $36,800 | $30,789 |
| 75th Percentile | $19.09/hr | $3,308 | $39,700 | $33,004 |
| 90th Percentile | $22.74/hr | $3,942 | $47,300 | $38,807 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Raleigh-Cary, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$36,800 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC
What is the median salary for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $36,800, which equates to approximately $3,067 per month or $17.69 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median hourly wage for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $17.69 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $13.99/hour and one in ten earned more than $22.74/hour.
What is the pay range for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
BLS wage estimates for restaurant cooks in Raleigh-Cary, NC span from $29,100 at the 10th percentile to $30,900 at the 25th, $39,700 at the 75th, and $47,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do restaurant cooks take home after taxes in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
On a median gross salary of $36,800, an estimated $30,789 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,184 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,011 (an effective rate of 16.3%).
How much do restaurant cooks make per month in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
On the median annual salary of $36,800, gross monthly income is $3,067. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,566 per month (or $1,184 every two weeks).
Is $36,800 a good salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
At $36,800, the median salary for restaurant cooks is 36.8% of the Raleigh-Cary, NC median household income ($100,103). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 98.2, making regional consumer goods and services 1.8% cheaper than the U.S. average.