SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Burlington, NC

In Burlington, North Carolina, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,280. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for these essential roles within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,740.
  • Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC, comprises approximately 370 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the region's labor market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,280

The average Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC earns-13.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.1

Weekly

$563

Monthly

$2,440

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Burlington, NC

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which often command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify this career trajectory, with experienced professionals earning considerably more than those just starting in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,850$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,960$10.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,380$13.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,600$17.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,740$17.2

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,280

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,280 in Burlington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

5.502

Per 1K Jobs

0.95

Location Quotient

Below Average

Burlington, NC has 0.95x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that Burlington, NC, has a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This implies a balanced market where the number of available jobs is relatively proportional to the number of workers, without significant oversupply or undersupply.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Burlington, NC?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC is $29,280. This typically ranges from $21,850 for entry-level positions to $35,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Burlington, NC is 13.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Burlington, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, Burlington, NC is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $29,280 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the compensation does not offer a significant financial advantage.

Is Burlington, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Burlington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Burlington, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,690) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.

How does Burlington's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC, is $29,280, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, indicating that the presence of these jobs in Burlington is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Burlington affect the salary?

Burlington's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $29,280 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.

What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Burlington, NC?

There are approximately 370 Food Preparation Workers employed in Burlington, NC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Burlington, NC area with a job density of 5.502 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.