Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating localized economic factors and demand influencing compensation within this sector. The specific pay rates are often tied to the regional economic landscape and the concentration of businesses requiring these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,560.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill region supports a substantial workforce of 24,210 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated market. The presence of approximately 70.68 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-6.3%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,807
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws, all contributing to a gradual upward trend in average earnings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement, with senior roles often earning considerably more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,720 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,260 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,350 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,100 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,560 | $22.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,680 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is 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
24,210
Total Jobs
70.679
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.80x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high relative to the national landscape, potentially offering a balance for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $33,680. This typically ranges from $20,720 for entry-level positions to $47,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 6.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,680 is below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($32,940) and Burlington, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 70.679 jobs per 1,000 workers, Durham-Chapel Hill has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national average.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability?
A Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that while jobs exist, the sector is not as dominant in Durham-Chapel Hill as it is nationally, suggesting a stable but not booming job market for these roles.
Does the Cost of Living Index affect the real value of the salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (matching the national average), the $33,680 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive.
What does the total local workforce size imply?
A total local workforce of 24,210 in this sector signifies a considerable number of individuals employed, indicating a robust and established presence of food preparation and serving roles within the Durham-Chapel Hill economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,210 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 70.679 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC