Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wilmington, NC
In Wilmington, NC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,170. 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 Wilmington area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,100.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC boasts a substantial local workforce of 25,150 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a location quotient of 1.52, this sector is significantly more concentrated in Wilmington than the national average, indicating a robust and active job market with a higher than average demand for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wilmington, NC earns-13.3%below the national average.
$15
$599
$2,598
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 Wilmington, NC have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws, leading to a gradual upward trajectory in average earnings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wilmington, NC, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While the average salary stands at $31,170, experienced professionals and those in supervisory or specialized roles can command higher earnings, 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) | $18,240 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,378 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,670 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,963 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,100 | $22.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,170 in Wilmington, NC aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in Wilmington is comparable to that of a worker in a similarly priced national average location, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.
Job Market Context
25,150
Total Jobs
134.564
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.5x 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.
Wilmington, NC exhibits a strong concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, as evidenced by its location quotient of 1.52. This suggests that the job market for these roles is more abundant and potentially more competitive than the national average, offering ample opportunities for job seekers but also indicating a potentially saturated market in certain segments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,610↓ 8% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,320↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,640↓ 8% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,210↓ 6% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,420↓ 6% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wilmington, NC is $31,170. This typically ranges from $18,240 for entry-level positions to $46,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 13.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $31,170 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.52) indicates strong local demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($28,610) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's food prep job market compare to the national average?
Wilmington, NC has a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs, with a location quotient of 1.52, suggesting a more robust local market than the national average.
What is the average salary for food preparation roles in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wilmington, NC is $31,170, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect the salary?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $31,170 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
Are there many jobs available for food preparation workers in Wilmington, NC?
Yes, with 134.564 jobs per 1,000 workers and a location quotient of 1.52, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is more concentrated and likely offers abundant opportunities in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 25,150 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 134.564 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 Wilmington, NC