South Carolina ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $8,900 — a 30% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,960 to $38,590 — a $16,630 spread, 20% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.6% of all food preparation workers in the country (14,500 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,960 | $10.56 |
| 25th percentile | $26,650 | $12.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $30,050 | $14.45 |
| 75th percentile | $35,930 | $17.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| Mean (average) | $30,900 | $14.85 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $30,050 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +30% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +28% |
| California | $38,150 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +26% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +24% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +23% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $30,150 | 3,190 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,900 | 5,280 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $30,330 | 280 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $29,650 | 5,620 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $30,510 | 5,120 |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $30,520 | 830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in South Carolina?
The mean food preparation workers salary in South Carolina is $30,900 per year. The median (middle) salary is $30,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $21,960 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $26,650 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $38,590 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,930 per year.
How does the South Carolina Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in South Carolina is $30,050, which is -12% below national average of $34,220.