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Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in South Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$32,180
Median Annual Salary
▲
+7.1% vs 2024
$32,300
Mean Salary
$32,180
Median Salary
$15.47
Hourly Rate
14,460 people work as Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in South Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina earn a median salary of $32,180 per year ($2,681/month).
This is 4.2% below the national average of $33,596.
South Carolina ranks #33 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 14,460 people work in this occupation across South Carolina.
Salaries increased by 7.1% 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 South Carolina
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina range from $22,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $40,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $27,860 and $36,970.
Median $32,180
P10: $22,990P25: $27,860P75: $36,970P90: $40,370
10th
$22,990
25th
$27,860
Median
$32,180
75th
$36,970
90th
$40,370
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$22,990
$11.05
$1,915
25th Percentile
$27,860
$13.39
$2,321
Median (50th)
$32,180
$15.47
$2,681
75th Percentile
$36,970
$17.77
$3,080
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$40,370
$19.41
$3,364
Note: The mean (average) salary of $32,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina is $32,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $32,300.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina range from $22,990 at the 10th percentile to $40,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $27,860 and $36,970.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in South Carolina typically start around $22,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $27,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 14,460 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in South Carolina is approximately $15.47 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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