In Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,940. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating localized economic factors and market dynamics at play within this vibrant metropolitan area. The specific pay scales in this region are influenced by a combination of local demand, operational costs for businesses, and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,780.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area supports a substantial workforce of 116,440 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and well-established job market. The presence of 86.843 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these essential services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-5.6%below the national average.
$16.3
$653
$2,828
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for food services, leading to modest but consistent salary adjustments.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals can command substantially higher compensation, reflecting their acquired skills, leadership capabilities, and specialized knowledge. The widening salary gap between lower and higher percentiles clearly signifies robust opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,180 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,455 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,220 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,425 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,780 | $23.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,940 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
116,440
Total Jobs
86.843
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates that the industry is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented in the region, suggesting a balanced level of competition and opportunity for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $33,940. This typically ranges from $20,180 for entry-level positions to $48,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 5.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,940 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($30,030) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is $33,940, which is slightly less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia relative to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index for Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning it is neither more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US location.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
The Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
How many Food Preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
There are approximately 86.843 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 116,440 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 86.843 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC