Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $28,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton influences the pay scale for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,880.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 700 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but not oversaturated demand. With 4.53 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of opportunity.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-14.6%below the national average.
$13.9
$555
$2,407
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to incremental salary growth for these positions, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and attract talent.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning capacity within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,090 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,660 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,790 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,880 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,880 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average. Consequently, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this specific metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
4.53
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.79x 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 0.79, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, market has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the region. The job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,250↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,550↑ 6% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,210↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,750↑ 13% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,150↓ 6% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $28,880. This typically ranges from $22,090 for entry-level positions to $35,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 14.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $28,880 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($31,250) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $28,880, which is $4,930 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Cost of Living Index for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in the local workforce?
There are approximately 700 Food Preparation Workers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, metropolitan area.
Does experience affect pay for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
Yes, like most roles, experience plays a crucial part in salary progression, with senior positions generally offering higher compensation than entry-level roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 4.53 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC