North Carolina ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $9,540 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,910 to $37,010 — a $15,100 spread, 27% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 2.7% of all food preparation workers in the country (24,420 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $29,410 | n/a |
| 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
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.