Food Preparation Workers Salary in Western North Carolina

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

Median annual salary $28,540 -16.6% vs national
Median hourly $13.72
10th percentile $21,080
90th percentile $36,920
Employed locally 1,900
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Western North Carolina
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,080
    25th
    $22,710
    50th (median)
    $28,540
    75th
    $33,790
    90th
    $36,920

    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 Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cooks, Fast Food $26,760
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,570
    Waiters and Waitresses $26,710
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,590
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $39,810
    Bartenders $30,840

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Western North Carolina is $13.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.31 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Western North Carolina is 16.6% 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 Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $21,080 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,710.