Average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant earn an average annual salary of $31,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,860, indicating that local market dynamics and specific industry demands in the Charleston area influence compensation for these roles. While not reaching the national benchmark, the local pay reflects the unique economic landscape of this South Carolina region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,090.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a robust workforce of 930 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant. With a Location Quotient of 1.35, this occupation is more concentrated locally than the national average, suggesting a notable demand and a significant presence within the regional job market. The rate of 2.385 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for these professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-9.0%below the national average.
$15.3
$610
$2,645
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an evolving labor market that seeks to retain and attract talent through competitive compensation adjustments.
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The salary range for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, rewarding those who advance their expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,040 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,805 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,850 | $14.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,675 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,090 | $18.8 |
Detailed Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,740 for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power at the national median, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services within the Charleston metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
2.385
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.35 indicates that Food Servers, Nonrestaurant are 35% more concentrated in the Charleston-North Charleston area compared to the national average. This higher concentration suggests a more robust demand or a more specialized market for these roles within the region, potentially leading to more opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $31,960↑ 1% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $27,830↓ 12% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $26,580↓ 16% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $30,430↓ 4% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $28,760↓ 9% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $31,740. This typically ranges from $19,040 for entry-level positions to $39,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 9.0% lower than the national median of $34,860.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
Moderately so, with stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $31,740 is slightly below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings maintain national average purchasing power. The strong concentration of these roles (LQ 1.35) also indicates consistent demand.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($31,960) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston is $31,740, which is approximately $3,120 less than the national average of $34,860.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.35?
An LQ of 1.35 means that the Charleston-North Charleston area has 35% more Food Servers, Nonrestaurant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average, indicating a higher concentration of this profession locally.
How does the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Charleston-North Charleston is at the national average. This means the $31,740 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it relatively stable in terms of affordability.
What is the total number of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Charleston-North Charleston?
There are approximately 930 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 2.385 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 Servers, Nonrestaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC