Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
In Raleigh-Cary, NC, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors or market dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific demand and supply within the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area play a crucial role in shaping these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,350.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary area supports a substantial workforce of 6,030 Food Preparation Workers, indicating a significant presence in the local labor market. With a Location Quotient of 1.44, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, signaling a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-12.1%below the national average.
$14.3
$572
$2,478
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Raleigh-Cary is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. This suggests that compensation for these roles has likely seen incremental increases, reflecting evolving labor costs and market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,950 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,298 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,890 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,163 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,350 | $17.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,730 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
6,030
Total Jobs
8.328
Per 1K Jobs
1.44
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.44, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.44 for Food Preparation Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates that this profession is 44% more concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these workers and a more established industry presence, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,440↑ 9% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,610↓ 7% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,790↓ 7% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,010↓ 6% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $29,730. This typically ranges from $21,950 for entry-level positions to $36,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 12.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $29,730 is below the national benchmark of $33,810.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($32,440) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 8.328 jobs per 1,000 workers for Food Preparation roles, which is a significant indicator of local employment density for this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.44?
An LQ of 1.44 means that Food Preparation Workers are 44% more prevalent in Raleigh-Cary, NC, than the national average, indicating a stronger local industry presence and demand.
Does experience significantly impact pay for Food Preparation Workers in Raleigh-Cary?
Yes, as with most roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior positions generally offering higher compensation than entry-level roles.
How does the average salary compare to the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary?
The average salary of $29,730 is directly aligned with the national average cost of living (100), suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,030 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 8.328 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC