Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $32,440. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized market dynamics at play. Factors such as the regional demand for these services and the overall economic landscape of the Research Triangle area likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,750.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 1,130 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to other professions. This indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-4.1%below the national average.
$15.6
$624
$2,703
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. Wage growth in service-oriented roles often correlates with increases in the cost of living and minimum wage adjustments.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies 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) | $23,270 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,330 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,330 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,550 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,750 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,440 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally affordable nor expensive from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
3.29
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.57x 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 0.57 for Food Preparation Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that these jobs are less concentrated here compared to the national average. This could imply a more competitive job market for applicants, as the supply of workers might be relatively higher than the specific demand for this role compared to other occupations in the area. However, it also means the role is a recognized part of the local employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,730↓ 8% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↓ 5% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,250↓ 10% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,560↓ 12% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $32,440. This typically ranges from $23,270 for entry-level positions to $39,750 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 4.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,440 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a highly lucrative market for this specific role.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($29,730) and Burlington, NC.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $32,440.
How does the Durham-Chapel Hill salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Durham-Chapel Hill ($32,440) is slightly lower than the national average ($33,810).
What does the Location Quotient of 0.57 mean for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
A Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially competitive job market for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in Durham-Chapel Hill affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $32,440 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, meaning it's neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 3.29 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC