In the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The cost of living here aligns with the national average, making the salary differential a key consideration for potential and current residents.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,890.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas appears stable, with a total local workforce of 20,420 individuals employed in this sector. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-19.5%below the national average.
$13.9
$557
$2,413
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep pace with rising operational costs and to attract and retain talent in a competitive service industry landscape.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify opportunities for advancement and greater compensation as one climbs the career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,810 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,720 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,190 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,890 | $19.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,960 in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas needs to be viewed in conjunction with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. Since this index is precisely at the national average, the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not offset this difference by being lower.
Job Market Context
20,420
Total Jobs
86.195
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.98x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas is nearly as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, suggesting neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of labor. It implies a steady, predictable employment environment for those in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,870↑ 7% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,400↑ 15% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,090↑ 4% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,680↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,680↑ 16% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,960. This typically ranges from $18,810 for entry-level positions to $40,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 19.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,960 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering no additional purchasing power advantage.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,870) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan areas is $28,960, which is $7,000 less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in the local workforce is very close to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary does not gain purchasing power from a lower cost of living.
How many people work in Food Preparation in this region?
There are 20,420 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,420 employees in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 86.195 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area