Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $27,450. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially less concentrated demand for these roles. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region significantly influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,060.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 920 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.67, the job market in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas indicates a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation services within this specific geographic area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-18.8%below the national average.
$13.2
$528
$2,288
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including nonmetropolitan North Carolina, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and a sustained demand for food services, even in less urbanized regions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized culinary knowledge can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the food preparation industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,040 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,588 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,380 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,313 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,060 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,450 in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
3.868
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.67x 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 0.67 signifies that Food Preparation Worker roles are less concentrated in Central North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, and employers may face moderate competition for talent, potentially leading to slightly higher wages than the raw numbers might initially suggest.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 12% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,760↑ 5% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,210↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,440↑ 18% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $27,450. This typically ranges from $21,040 for entry-level positions to $35,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 18.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place.The average salary of $27,450 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower pay indicates less financial advantage for these workers.
Is Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,690) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 920 suggests a moderate number of available positions. While not a large market, it indicates consistent demand for food preparation services within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.67 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.67, indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less common in this area than the national average. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for those seeking employment.
How does the cost of living impact the $27,450 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,450 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal wage, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
While the data doesn't specify advancement opportunities, typical career paths involve gaining experience to move into supervisory or specialized roles, which often come with higher compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.868 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area