Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Food Preparation Workers in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $32,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized market dynamics at play. Factors such as regional demand, the cost of doing business, and the specific needs of the Wilmington economy contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,810.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC supports a robust local workforce of 1,240 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.15, the concentration of these roles in Wilmington is 15% higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand and a significant presence of this occupation within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wilmington, NC earns-3.8%below the national average.
$15.6
$625
$2,709
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 Wilmington, NC have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion and inflation typically drive modest increases in compensation for roles across various sectors, including food service.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Wilmington, NC, like elsewhere, is influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this progression, with senior roles often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,470 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,383 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,750 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,638 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,810 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,510 in Wilmington, NC aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant advantages or disadvantages related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
6.657
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.15 for Food Preparation Workers in Wilmington, NC signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively robust and potentially more abundant in Wilmington than in many other areas, indicating a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,170↓ 13% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,080↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,790↓ 15% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,010↓ 14% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,210↓ 13% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wilmington, NC is $32,510. This typically ranges from $24,470 for entry-level positions to $39,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 3.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary of $32,510 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($28,170) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Wilmington, NC is $32,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Wilmington?
A Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 15% more concentrated in Wilmington than the national average, suggesting higher local demand.
Does the cost of living in Wilmington affect the salary?
No, the cost of living in Wilmington is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly lower salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC has a local workforce of 1,240 Food Preparation Workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 6.657 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 Wilmington, NC