NC · BLS OEWS 2024 · SOC 35-2021

Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Carolina

Median Annual Salary $29,410 -14% below national average (national: $34,220)
$30,030Mean Annual
$14Median Hourly
24,420Employed in State

Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile

$29,410
$21,910
10th pct.
$37,010
90th pct.

Full Percentile Breakdown

PercentileAnnual WageHourly Wage
10th percentile (entry-level)$21,910$10.53
25th percentile$24,550$11.80
50th percentile (median)$29,410$14.14
75th percentile$35,060$16.86
90th percentile (top earners)$37,010$17.79
Mean (average)$30,030$14.44

How North Carolina Compares

StateMedian Annualvs. North Carolina
North Carolina (current) $29,410
Washington $38,950 +32%
Colorado $38,670 +31%
District of Columbia $38,440 +31%
California $38,150 +30%
Massachusetts $37,780 +28%
Hawaii $37,240 +27%
Vermont $37,030 +26%
Alaska $36,710 +25%

Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →

Related Occupations in North Carolina

OccupationMedian AnnualEmployment
Dishwashers $29,150 12,540
Animal Caretakers $28,900 10,810
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $30,050 8,470
Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,760 85,120
Retail Salespersons $30,090 126,060
Home Health and Personal Care Aides $30,100 59,880

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in North Carolina?

The mean food preparation workers salary in North Carolina is $30,030 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,410 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.

What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina?

Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $21,910 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $24,550 per year.

What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in North Carolina?

Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $37,010 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,060 per year.

How does the North Carolina Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?

The median food preparation workers salary in North Carolina is $29,410, which is -14% below national average of $34,220.

Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release. All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education, employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes