Food Preparation Worker Salary in Raleigh, NC
Updated
The median food preparation worker in the Raleigh area earns $29,470 a year ($14.17 an hour), 17% below the U.S. median ($35,320) and 3% below the North Carolina median ($30,260). Half of the 5,290 food preparation workers there earn between $24,520 and $36,410.
| Annual pay | Raleigh area | North Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,340 | $21,870 | $25,810 |
| 25th percentile | $24,520 | $26,610 | $29,950 |
| Median | $29,470 | $30,260 | $35,320 |
| 75th percentile | $36,410 | $36,120 | $38,550 |
| 90th percentile | $39,380 | $38,760 | $45,340 |
| Average | $31,160 | $31,270 | $35,290 |
| Jobs | 5,290 | 24,960 | 893,600 |
Raleigh, NC ranks 48th 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
- Charlotte, NC: $34,180
- 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 Raleigh, NC
- Restaurant Cook: $36,280
- Fast Food Worker: $29,080
- Waiter: $34,860
- Food Service Supervisor: $46,020
- Bartender: $36,120
- All jobs in Raleigh, 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.