Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in dictating compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,960.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern South Carolina appears stable, with a local workforce of 470 individuals. The location quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with broader national trends. The presence of nearly 6 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment environment.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-17.8%below the national average.
$13.4
$534
$2,315
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern South Carolina have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages across most sectors, including food service, ensuring that compensation keeps pace, to some extent, with the rising cost of living and operational expenses.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range often sees significant increases at the 75th and 90th percentiles, reflecting accumulated experience, expanded responsibilities, and potentially supervisory duties. These gaps in earnings signify clear pathways for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,770 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,835 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,450 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,725 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,780 in Northeastern South Carolina aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary holds its value relative to the local economic conditions.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
5.959
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.03, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern South Carolina is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the national average. This indicates a balanced market where the concentration of these jobs is closely aligned with the national distribution, suggesting a competitive but stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,170↑ 12% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,160↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,840↑ 4% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,930↑ 11% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,110↑ 19% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $27,780. This typically ranges from $21,770 for entry-level positions to $35,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 17.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place.The average salary of $27,780 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($31,170) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 470 suggests a moderate-sized pool of existing Food Preparation Workers, indicating a stable but not rapidly growing job market. This size is generally sufficient to meet local demand without excessive competition.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.03 mean for Food Preparation Workers?
A Location Quotient of 1.03 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are slightly more concentrated in Northeastern South Carolina than the national average. This implies a healthy demand for these roles relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $27,780 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,780 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area. This means the salary is relatively standard for the local economic environment.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in this region?
There are 5.959 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is a solid indicator of job availability. This metric suggests a consistent need for Food Preparation Workers within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.959 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 Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area