Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Rocky Mount, NC
In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $27,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Rocky Mount market. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,210.
- Outlook: The Rocky Mount job market for Food Preparation Workers shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand. With 4.069 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount, NC earns-18.3%below the national average.
$13.3
$531
$2,301
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rocky Mount is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to Rocky Mount, suggesting a gradual upward movement in compensation, albeit potentially at a different pace than the national average.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Rocky Mount, NC
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which are compensated at higher salary percentiles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's understood that increased experience, skill development, and potentially supervisory responsibilities lead to greater earning potential, with senior roles commanding significantly more than the average starting wage.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,760 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,708 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,720 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,513 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,210 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,610 in Rocky Mount aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, as everyday expenses do not exceed the national average.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
4.069
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Rocky Mount, NC has 0.71x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, Rocky Mount, NC, has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. The job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,210↑ 2% | 35 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,790↑ 1% | 42 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,730↑ 8% | 48 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,440↑ 17% | 61 mi |
| Jacksonville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,170↑ 2% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rocky Mount, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Rocky Mount, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount, NC is $27,610. This typically ranges from $20,760 for entry-level positions to $35,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rocky Mount, NC is 18.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Rocky Mount, NC is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average annual salary of $27,610 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rocky Mount, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rocky Mount, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville, NC ($28,210) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does Rocky Mount's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount, NC, is $27,610, which is considerably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Rocky Mount, NC for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Rocky Mount, NC, is at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Rocky Mount, NC?
The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.71, suggesting a moderate level of demand.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Rocky Mount, NC?
There are approximately 220 Food Preparation Workers employed in Rocky Mount, NC, contributing to the local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Rocky Mount, NC area with a job density of 4.069 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 Rocky Mount, NC