Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Carolina
Food Preparation Workers in North Carolina earn a median of $30,260 a year, −14% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $30,260
- vs. U.S. median
- −14% ($35,320)
- Rank among states
- 42 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 24,960
Pay range in North Carolina
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $21,870; the top 10% earn over $38,760. Nationally the range is $25,810 to $45,340.
States ranked near North Carolina
Similar jobs in North Carolina
- Cooks, Fast Food$27,190 median in North Carolina
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$38,240 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Short Order$31,290 median in North Carolina
- Cooks, Restaurant$35,400 median in North Carolina
- Bakers$34,510 median in North Carolina
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$31,310 median in North Carolina
Food Preparation Workers pay in North Carolina
How much do food preparation workers make in North Carolina?
The median is $30,260 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $21,870 and the top 10% earn over $38,760. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is North Carolina a good state for food preparation workers?
On pay alone it ranks 42 of 51 (−14% vs. the national median of $35,320). Living costs are not included.