Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Food Preparation Workers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earn an average annual salary of $32,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the hospitality sector in this popular tourist destination.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,660.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.03, suggesting a demand for these roles that is more than double the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 960 individuals in this role, the market appears robust and offers significant employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-3.7%below the national average.
$15.7
$626
$2,714
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and inflation typically drive wage increases, and the consistent demand suggested by the Location Quotient likely supports this positive trajectory for Food Preparation Workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may 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 signify clear career advancement pathways within the food preparation industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,610 | $11.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,428 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,780 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,713 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,660 | $18.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,570 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, making the area neither exceptionally expensive nor inexpensive for these workers.
Job Market Context
960
Total Jobs
11.714
Per 1K Jobs
2.03
Location Quotient
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 2.0x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.03, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand for these services, likely driven by the area's prominent tourism and hospitality industry, making the job market relatively abundant for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,590↑ 0% | 28 mi |
| Hinesville, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,050↓ 8% | 57 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,110↑ 2% | 63 mi |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,000↓ 5% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $32,570. This typically ranges from $23,610 for entry-level positions to $38,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 3.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Food Preparation Workers is slightly below the national average. However, the high concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($32,590) and Hinesville, GA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The local job market in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.03, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs relative to the general workforce.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on salaries for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the average salary of $32,570 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor in terms of financial advantage.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?
There are approximately 960 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area.
Does experience significantly impact the salary of a Food Preparation Worker in this region?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher earnings, with entry-level positions paying less than those held by experienced or supervisory staff, reflecting a standard career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 960 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 11.714 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 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC