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Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,260
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.9% vs 2024
$31,270
Mean Salary
$30,260
Median Salary
$14.55
Hourly Rate
24,960 people work as Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $30,260 per year ($2,521/month).
This is 9.9% below the national average of $33,596.
North Carolina ranks #42 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 24,960 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 2.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina range from $21,870 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $38,760 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $26,610 and $36,120.
Median $30,260
P10: $21,870P25: $26,610P75: $36,120P90: $38,760
10th
$21,870
25th
$26,610
Median
$30,260
75th
$36,120
90th
$38,760
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$21,870
$10.51
$1,822
25th Percentile
$26,610
$12.79
$2,217
Median (50th)
$30,260
$14.55
$2,521
75th Percentile
$36,120
$17.37
$3,010
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$38,760
$18.63
$3,230
Note: The mean (average) salary of $31,270 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina is $30,260 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $31,270.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina range from $21,870 at the 10th percentile to $38,760 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $26,610 and $36,120.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in North Carolina typically start around $21,870 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $26,610 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 24,960 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina is approximately $14.55 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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