Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the distinct economic landscape and potentially lower operational costs prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions compared to urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,920.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,900 individuals in this role, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina appears stable. The location quotient of 1.29 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is 29% higher than the national average, indicating a solid demand and a significant presence of this occupation within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-15.5%below the national average.
$13.7
$549
$2,380
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This progression is typical as the cost of living adjusts and demand for services evolves within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced positions, which are often compensated at higher rates. While specific percentile data isn't available, the expected salary range widens significantly with added years of experience, demonstrating clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,080 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,420 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,540 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,700 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,560 in Western North Carolina 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 this income is likely comparable to what a worker might experience in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
1,900
Total Jobs
7.444
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.29 for Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively robust and that there is a greater abundance of opportunities for individuals seeking employment in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 7% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,760↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↑ 3% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,210↑ 2% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,440↑ 14% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $28,560. This typically ranges from $21,080 for entry-level positions to $36,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 15.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,560 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real wages comparable. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,690) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 1,900 suggests a substantial pool of existing talent, which can indicate both a stable job market and potential competition for new entrants.
What does a location quotient of 1.29 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient above 1.0, like 1.29, indicates that Food Preparation Worker roles are more concentrated in this area than the national average, suggesting a potentially stronger demand relative to other occupations.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $28,560 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses compared to high-cost areas.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in this region?
With 7.444 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a moderate presence of Food Preparation Worker roles relative to the overall working population in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,900 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.444 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area