Food Preparation Worker Salary in Charlotte, NC
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Charlotte area earns $34,180 a year ($16.43 an hour), 3% below the U.S. median ($35,320) and 13% above the North Carolina median ($30,260). Half of the 5,800 food preparation workers there earn between $28,080 and $37,480.
| Annual pay | Charlotte area | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $21,760 | $21,870 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $28,080 | $26,610 | $29,950 |
| Median | $34,180 | $30,260 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $37,480 | $36,120 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $43,940 | $38,760 | $45,340 |
| Average | $33,310 | $31,270 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 5,800 | 24,960 | 893,600 |
Charlotte, NC ranks 34th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for food preparation worker pay. Highest: San Jose, CA ($45,580).
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Check my payFood preparation worker pay in other cities
- Raleigh, NC: $29,470
- San Jose, CA: $45,580
- Seattle, WA: $43,830
- San Francisco, CA: $41,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $39,770
- Boston, MA: $39,660
- Denver, CO: $39,470
- San Diego, CA: $38,780
- All cities
Similar jobs in Charlotte, NC
- Restaurant Cook: $37,030
- Fast Food Worker: $28,880
- Waiter: $36,430
- Food Service Supervisor: $47,280
- Bartender: $37,390
- All jobs in Charlotte, NC
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.