In Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $31,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as specific industry demands or labor supply, may influence compensation levels in this coastal region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,190.
- Outlook: The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area boasts a substantial workforce of 13,100 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a location quotient of 1.81, this sector is significantly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a robust and active job market with a strong presence of these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-12.4%below the national average.
$15.2
$606
$2,626
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have seen consistent, albeit modest, growth over the past four years across most U.S. markets. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and a gradual rise in minimum wage laws, which would likely apply to the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC region as well.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, such as chefs or kitchen managers, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this field signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,550 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,633 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,240 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,388 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,190 | $22.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,510 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
13,100
Total Jobs
160.085
Per 1K Jobs
1.81
Location Quotient
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 1.8x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A location quotient of 1.81 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, signifies that this industry is more than 80% more concentrated here than in the average U.S. location. This indicates a highly competitive and abundant job market for these roles, suggesting strong demand and a significant number of available positions relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,930↓ 2% | 28 mi |
| Hinesville, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,870↓ 12% | 57 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,100↓ 1% | 63 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,640↓ 6% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $31,510. This typically ranges from $17,550 for entry-level positions to $47,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 12.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $31,510 is below the national average of $35,960. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($30,930) and Hinesville, GA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The local job market in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is significantly more concentrated than the national average, with a location quotient of 1.81, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the workforce.
What is the cost of living in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
The cost of living in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in this area?
Yes, with 160.085 jobs per 1,000 workers and a location quotient of 1.81, the area shows a strong concentration and abundance of these roles.
How does the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $31,510 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is lower than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,100 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 160.085 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 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC