Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
In Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a difference often attributable to regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local food service industry. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,120.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area supports a substantial workforce of 5,470 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly 4.1 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns-7.6%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,604
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for culinary services, and evolving wage regulations likely contribute to gradual salary growth for Food Preparation Workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the financial rewards associated with advancing through different levels of experience and expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,250 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,438 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,580 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,063 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,120 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,250 in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape where nominal earnings directly translate to living expenses.
Job Market Context
5,470
Total Jobs
4.079
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.71x 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 0.71 indicates that Food Preparation Worker roles are somewhat less concentrated in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active, it may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration of these positions, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,880↓ 8% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,550↓ 2% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,250↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,560↓ 9% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,450↓ 12% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $31,250. This typically ranges from $19,250 for entry-level positions to $38,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 7.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,250 is below the national average of $33,810, though the cost of living is on par nationally. This indicates that while expenses are average, earning potential is slightly diminished.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($28,880) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is $31,250, which is approximately 7.6% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.71?
An LQ of 0.71 means that the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is 29% lower than the national average. This suggests fewer jobs relative to the size of the workforce compared to the rest of the country.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
The cost of living in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the slightly lower salary of $31,250 means that the real purchasing power of these workers is also slightly below the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia?
There are approximately 5,470 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,470 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 4.079 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC