Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,840.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,340 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the job market in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, demonstrates a solid presence. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that this sector is nearly as concentrated as the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-16.5%below the national average.
$14.4
$578
$2,503
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a slowly evolving compensation landscape for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and supervisory positions command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify distinct levels of responsibility and expertise, offering clear career advancement pathways.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,660 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,523 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,100 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,538 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,840 | $21.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,030 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
13,340
Total Jobs
86.034
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.97x 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 0.97 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, signifies that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the availability of roles is neither significantly higher nor lower than what might be expected based on the region's overall workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,940↑ 13% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,280↓ 2% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,680↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,400↑ 11% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,960↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $30,030. This typically ranges from $18,660 for entry-level positions to $43,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 16.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,030 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($33,940) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $30,030, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.97, is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable market presence.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the area?
There are 13,340 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,340 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 86.034 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC