In the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area, Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, earn an average annual salary of $30,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this sector in the Research Triangle region likely contribute to this pay differential, influencing compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,020.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, shows a concentration significantly above the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.68. With 0.978 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 330 in this category, the demand appears robust and more pronounced than in many other regions across the country.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-15.0%below the national average.
$14.7
$588
$2,546
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This growth is likely driven by increasing labor costs and a sustained demand for services in the dynamic Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, typically involves a widening salary gap as experience increases. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the potential for career advancement and increased earning power within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,330 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,913 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,610 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,188 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,020 | $19.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,550 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
0.978
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 1.7x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other 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 1.68 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, signifies a market that is 68% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand or a larger proportion of these workers compared to other occupations in the area, suggesting a competitive yet potentially abundant job market for individuals in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $30,550. This typically ranges from $17,330 for entry-level positions to $40,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 15.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $30,550 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($28,020) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 330 in this category, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a substantial presence and demand for these roles within the Durham-Chapel Hill area, potentially leading to more opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.68 mean for this job category?
A Location Quotient of 1.68 indicates that this job category is more concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill than the national average, implying a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job openings relative to other professions.
How does the cost of living impact the $30,550 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,550 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area, making the lower nominal wage more palatable locally.
Are there opportunities for career growth in this field in Durham-Chapel Hill?
While the average salary is lower, the high concentration and jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a dynamic market where experience and skill development can lead to higher-paying roles and career progression within the food preparation and serving sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.978 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 Workers, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC