Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
In the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $28,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the area's food service industry. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 310 individuals. A Location Quotient of 0.99 suggests that the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, implying a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-16.9%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,343
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas like Southern South Carolina, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving labor market dynamics, suggesting a modest upward trajectory for compensation in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range widens significantly with experience, with senior or specialized roles commanding higher pay. The gap between entry-level and senior positions often signifies substantial opportunities for increased earnings through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,260 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,083 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,900 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,138 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,140 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,110 in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly 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 this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in this region is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
5.735
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x 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 0.99, the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area exhibits a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of available positions relative to the workforce size is neither significantly oversupplied nor undersupplied, suggesting a competitive but accessible employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,170↑ 11% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,160↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,840↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,930↑ 10% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,110↑ 18% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,110. This typically ranges from $22,260 for entry-level positions to $35,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 16.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $28,110 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($31,170) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,110, which is below the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, which is very close to the national average of 1.0, suggesting a stable market presence.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 310 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers in the Southern 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 310 employees in the Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.735 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area