Food Preparation Workers Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

In Charlotte, NC-SC, food preparation workers earn a median annual salary of $30,580 and a median hourly wage of $14.70. This is below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,220 annually. When compared to local household income in the area, food preparation workers' earnings are significantly lower than the median household income of $80,201. The disparity highlights how these jobs may not provide sufficient income to match the cost of living or average family expenditures within the region.

Entry-level food preparation workers typically earn near the 10th percentile at about $19,250 annually, while those more experienced can earn closer to the 90th percentile with salaries around $38,120. This substantial wage range is driven by factors such as experience level, skills acquired over time, and possibly additional responsibilities or certifications held within the role. As workers gain more experience and potentially move into supervisory roles, their earnings potential increases significantly, reflecting the value of accumulated expertise in this field.