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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jacksonville, NC

Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC earn an average annual salary of $28,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Jacksonville.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,930.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC, comprises approximately 240 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,170

The average Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC earns-16.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.5

Weekly

$542

Monthly

$2,348

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, NC

Experience significantly influences earning potential for Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive experience and specialized skills, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect clear career progression pathways within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,470$9.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,128$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,010$13.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,213$16.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,930$16.8

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,170 in Jacksonville, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

4.535

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Jacksonville, 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 for Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC, indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and functional, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate opportunities for skilled workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Wilmington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary$32,510↑ 15%46 mi
Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary$27,790↓ 1%55 mi
Greenville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary$28,210↑ 0%60 mi
Rocky Mount, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary$27,610↓ 2%89 mi
Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary$28,010↓ 1%93 mi

Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, NC

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Jacksonville, NC?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC is $28,170. This typically ranges from $20,470 for entry-level positions to $34,930 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, NC is 16.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Jacksonville, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,170 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation is not exceptionally high.

Is Jacksonville, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wilmington, NC ($32,510) and Goldsboro, NC.

How does the Jacksonville, NC salary compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC, earn approximately $5,640 less annually than the national average, which stands at $33,810.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.79?

An LQ of 0.79 means that Food Preparation Workers are employed in Jacksonville, NC, at a rate that is 21% lower than the national average concentration for this occupation.

How does the Cost of Living in Jacksonville, NC affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Jacksonville, NC, is at the national average. This means the $28,170 salary has average purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, NC?

There are approximately 240 Food Preparation Workers employed in Jacksonville, NC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Jacksonville, NC area with a job density of 4.535 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jacksonville, NC