Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $28,840. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower cost of doing business in nonmetropolitan regions. Localized demand and the specific industry mix within this area also contribute to the prevailing wage rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 480 individuals in food preparation roles, the job market in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area shows a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, there is still a consistent demand for food preparation services, indicating a steady, albeit not rapidly expanding, job environment.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-14.7%below the national average.
$13.9
$555
$2,403
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas, have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a persistent need for these essential services, even if the rate of increase may vary regionally.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which often command higher salaries. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's reasonable to infer that experienced workers in supervisory or specialized culinary roles would earn more than those just starting out, with salary gaps widening as responsibilities and expertise increase.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,460 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,630 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,960 | $18.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,840 in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area 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 that salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
5.105
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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 0.89 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly less concentrated in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where the number of available positions is relatively in line with the number of workers, without a significant oversupply or undersupply of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,170↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,160↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,840- 0% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,930↑ 7% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,110↑ 15% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,840. This typically ranges from $20,460 for entry-level positions to $38,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 14.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,840 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate indicates less financial opportunity compared to national benchmarks.
Is Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($31,170) and Sumter, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,840, which is $4,970 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.89, meaning the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area is slightly lower than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower salary of $28,840 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this region?
There are approximately 480 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwestern South 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 480 employees in the Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.105 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 Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area