Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Carolina
In South Carolina, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,310. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's culinary and service industries. The cost of living also plays a crucial role in understanding the real value of this income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,040.
- Outlook: South Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 225,620 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a significant presence in the state's economy. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, this sector is more concentrated in South Carolina than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina earns-18.5%below the national average.
$14.1
$564
$2,443
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive, albeit gradual, upward trajectory for earnings in this field within the state.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying 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) | $17,460 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,983 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,638 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,040 | $20.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,563
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $29,310 in South Carolina for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary may offer a comparable or even slightly better purchasing power for residents compared to higher-cost regions, despite being lower than the national average wage.
Job Market Context
225,620
Total Jobs
99.313
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, South Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.12, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 12% more concentrated in South Carolina than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the state's job market compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,760↓ 2% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,430↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,560↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,400↓ 3% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,100↑ 6% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina is $29,310. This typically ranges from $17,460 for entry-level positions to $43,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 18.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but cost of living offers some balance.While the average salary of $29,310 is below the national average, South Carolina's lower cost of living (95.9) can help offset the difference in purchasing power.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($28,760) and Sumter, SC.
How does South Carolina's job market compare nationally for Food Prep roles?
South Carolina has a higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.12, indicating a stronger presence in the state.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina is $29,310.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect the salary for Food Prep workers?
South Carolina's cost of living is 4.1% lower than the national average, meaning the $29,310 salary can potentially provide a similar or better standard of living than a higher salary in a more expensive state.
What is the total number of people employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina?
There are 225,620 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Carolina.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 225,620 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 99.313 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 South Carolina