In the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $31,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially different market demand influence compensation for these roles in this specific locale. The unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas often shapes wage structures differently than their urban counterparts.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,480.
- Outlook: The Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 29,890 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.32, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the region. The high number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significance of this industry to the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-13.4%below the national average.
$15
$599
$2,596
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 have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for food services. Such trends would likely contribute to a gradual upward adjustment in the average local salary over time.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Western North Carolina, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals move up the career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,370 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,363 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,710 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,938 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,480 | $21.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,150 in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations worker in this region is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost of living area. While the nominal salary may seem lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar real value.
Job Market Context
29,890
Total Jobs
116.802
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively more robust and potentially more competitive for these roles, as there are more opportunities available per capita than in the nation as a whole. Employers may find a larger pool of available talent, while job seekers may encounter more openings.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $31,150. This typically ranges from $18,370 for entry-level positions to $44,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 13.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,150 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real value of the salary comparable. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.32) indicates strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,870) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The average annual salary in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $31,150, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.32?
An LQ of 1.32 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 32% more concentrated in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a stronger local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average, the $31,150 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 29,890 in these occupations highlights the significant size and importance of the food preparation and serving sector within the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 29,890 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 116.802 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area