How much does a food preparation worker make in North Carolina?
$30,260a year
Median yearly pay for food preparation workers in North Carolina. That is $14.55 an hour or $2,522 a month.
- Hourly
- $14.55
- Vs. national median
- -14%
- Rank among states
- 42 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 24,960
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $21,870Median: $30,260Highest 10%: $38,760
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $21,870 | $10.51 | |
| 25th | $26,610 | $12.79 | |
| Median | $30,260 | $14.55 | |
| 75th | $36,120 | $17.37 | |
| 90th | $38,760 | $18.63 |
Cities in North Carolina
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Winston-Salem, NC | $34,580 |
| Durham, NC | $34,560 |
| Charlotte, NC | $34,180 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $32,580 |
| Asheville, NC | $32,110 |
| Greensboro, NC | $31,840 |
| Wilmington, NC | $31,830 |
| Burlington, NC | $29,660 |
| Raleigh, NC | $29,470 |
| Pinehurst, NC | $29,000 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $28,850 |
| Greenville, NC | $28,240 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $28,130 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $27,900 |
| Hickory, NC | $27,680 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $27,590 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for food preparation workers.
| 39. South Dakota | $30,430 |
| 40. Iowa | $30,360 |
| 41. Kansas | $30,280 |
| 42. North Carolina | $30,260 |
| 43. Indiana | $29,700 |
| 44. Tennessee | $28,700 |
| 45. Oklahoma | $28,540 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food preparation worker make an hour in North Carolina?
The median hourly pay in North Carolina is $14.55 ($30,260 a year).
Do food preparation workers make more in North Carolina than the national average?
No: $30,260 against $35,320 nationally, 14% less.
Where does North Carolina rank for food preparation worker pay?
North Carolina ranks 42 of 51 states.
Which city in North Carolina pays food preparation workers the most?
Winston-Salem, NC, with a median of $34,580 a year.
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.