Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Jacksonville, NC
In Jacksonville, NC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,610. 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: $28,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,920.
- Outlook: Jacksonville, NC boasts a substantial local workforce of 8,070 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.73, indicating a concentration 73% higher than the national average, this sector is clearly a significant component of the local economy, pointing to robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jacksonville, NC earns-20.4%below the national average.
$13.8
$550
$2,384
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jacksonville, NC is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, NC
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jacksonville, NC, typically involves a clear salary trajectory. Entry-level positions often start near the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the value placed on experience, skill development, and leadership within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,840 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,458 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,610 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,763 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,920 | $19.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Jacksonville, NC, is at the national average. This means that the nominal salary of $28,610 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While not affording a significantly higher standard of living than elsewhere, it aligns with the typical expenses faced by individuals in similar roles across the country.
Job Market Context
8,070
Total Jobs
152.311
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Jacksonville, NC has 1.7x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.73 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jacksonville, NC, signifies a strong local concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the market is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while also offering more opportunities for job seekers in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,170↑ 9% | 46 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,640↑ 0% | 55 mi |
| Greenville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,420↑ 3% | 60 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,220↓ 1% | 89 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,210↑ 2% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Jacksonville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jacksonville, NC is $28,610. This typically ranges from $17,840 for entry-level positions to $39,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, NC is 20.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Jacksonville, NC 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 $28,610 significantly trails the national average of $35,960, indicating lower earning potential in this specific field locally.
Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wilmington, NC ($31,170) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 8,070 suggests a substantial pool of talent and a significant presence of these roles, potentially leading to more job openings but also increased competition.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.73 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.73, indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are more concentrated in Jacksonville, NC, than the national average, implying a higher demand or specialization in this sector.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $28,610 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,610 salary has average purchasing power, meaning it can cover typical expenses without being significantly strained or offering substantial savings compared to the national average.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in this field in Jacksonville, NC?
Yes, like most areas, experience and skill development typically lead to higher-paying roles and management positions within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, offering a clear path for progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,070 employees in the Jacksonville, NC area with a job density of 152.311 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 Jacksonville, NC