Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,380 -22.9% vs national
Median hourly $12.68
10th percentile $21,040
90th percentile $35,060
Employed locally 920
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Central North Carolina
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,040
    25th
    $21,150
    50th (median)
    $26,380
    75th
    $32,000
    90th
    $35,060

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in Central North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $23,350
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,000
    Waiters and Waitresses $27,360
    Cooks, Restaurant $30,110
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,700
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Central North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Central North Carolina is $12.68, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.47 or more per hour.

    Is Central North Carolina above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Central North Carolina is 22.9% below the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Central North Carolina?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $21,040 per year in Central North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $21,150.