Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Food Preparation Workers in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $29,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Winston-Salem plays a significant role in shaping the pay scale for food service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,090 Food Preparation Workers, Winston-Salem presents a moderately sized employment base for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Winston-Salem compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Winston-Salem, NC earns-13.6%below the national average.
$14
$562
$2,434
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 Winston-Salem have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a sustained demand for food services likely contribute to incremental upward adjustments in compensation, though perhaps at a slower pace than the national average.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced or supervisory positions. As individuals gain more experience and develop specialized skills, their earning potential increases significantly. The salary distribution, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals, highlights the substantial financial rewards available for those who advance within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,150 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,908 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,540 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,513 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,190 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,210 in Winston-Salem 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 that income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
1,090
Total Jobs
3.99
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.69x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.69 for Food Preparation Workers in Winston-Salem indicates that the occupation is less prevalent in this area compared to the rest of the United States. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for dedicated individuals, but also implying that the overall demand might not be as robust as in more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 5% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,250↑ 0% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,560↓ 2% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,450↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,280↑ 0% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Winston-Salem, NC is $29,210. This typically ranges from $21,150 for entry-level positions to $36,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 13.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Winston-Salem, NC is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,210 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the lower pay rate indicates less financial advantage for this specific role.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($30,690) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Winston-Salem salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Winston-Salem, NC is $29,210, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Winston-Salem, NC?
There are approximately 1,090 Food Preparation Workers employed in Winston-Salem, NC.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers concentrated in Winston-Salem?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Winston-Salem compared to the national average, suggesting a less saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,090 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 3.99 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 Winston-Salem, NC