Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
In Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this specific region. Understanding these local pay scales is crucial for both employers and job seekers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,150.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, comprises approximately 280 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.2, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the area. The presence of 6.935 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent need for these essential services.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC earns-14.9%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,397
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental increases in wages for such roles, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract a sufficient labor pool.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,940 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,570 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,150 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,760 for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
6.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, signifies that the area has a 20% higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is slightly elevated, potentially offering more opportunities than in areas with a lower concentration, but not indicating an oversaturated or highly competitive landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,010↓ 3% | 29 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,560↓ 1% | 36 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,450↓ 5% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↑ 2% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is $28,760. This typically ranges from $21,940 for entry-level positions to $36,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 14.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,760 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing out purchasing power.
Is Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($28,010) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, is $28,760, which is less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC, has a Location Quotient of 1.2 for Food Preparation Workers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC?
There are approximately 280 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC area with a job density of 6.935 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 Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC