Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $29,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the cost of labor specific to this nonmetropolitan setting. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,120.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 970, presents a moderate concentration. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that this role is less prevalent here compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 3.699, further contextualizes the presence of these roles within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-13.5%below the national average.
$14.1
$563
$2,438
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including in regions like Eastern North Carolina, have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, evolving labor market demands, and potential increases in minimum wage laws, suggesting a gradual upward trajectory for compensation in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation Worker profession, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions generally command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can achieve significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distributions often signify these career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise with increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,210 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,938 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,260 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,563 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,120 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,250 in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
3.699
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.64x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the market for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession exists, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy compared to other regions. The job market is therefore likely to be moderately competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps fewer than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,760↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,210↓ 0% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,440↑ 11% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $29,250. This typically ranges from $20,210 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 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 13.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $29,250 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern 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 salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area is $29,250, which is $4,560 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a lower prevalence of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $29,250 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this area?
There are approximately 970 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.699 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 Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area