How much does a food preparation and serving related worker make in Columbia?
$20,920a year
Median yearly pay for food preparation and serving related workers in the Columbia, SC metro area. That is $10.06 an hour or $1,743 a month.
- Hourly
- $10.06
- Vs. national median
- -42%
- Rank among cities
- 167 of 171
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $17,870Median: $20,920Highest 10%: $30,000
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $17,870 | $8.59 | |
| 25th | $20,780 | $9.99 | |
| Median | $20,920 | $10.06 | |
| 75th | $25,470 | $12.25 | |
| 90th | $30,000 | $14.42 |
Other cities in South Carolina
Median yearly pay for food preparation and serving related workers.
| Charlotte, NC | $31,440 |
| Augusta, GA | $26,230 |
| Charleston, SC | $22,230 |
| Greenville, SC | $21,370 |
Related jobs in Columbia
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Chef and Head Cook | $69,820 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Worker | $37,880 |
| Cook | $35,490 |
| Cook | $34,800 |
| Food Server | $31,400 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper | $31,050 |
| Food Preparation Worker | $30,260 |
| Dishwasher | $28,180 |
| Cook | $27,540 |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker | $27,170 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation and serving related worker make an hour in Columbia?
The median hourly pay in the Columbia, SC metro area is $10.06 ($20,920 a year).
Do food preparation and serving related workers make more in Columbia than the national average?
No: $20,920 against $35,840 nationally, 42% less.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of South Carolina?
The median in South Carolina is $22,230, so Columbia pays 6% less.
Where does Columbia rank for food preparation and serving related worker pay?
167 of 171 metro areas with data.
How much does a food preparation and serving related worker make starting out in Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% make $17,870 or less a year; the top 10% make $30,000 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.