Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$31,000$14.90 per hour · $2,583 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Asheville, NC
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (NC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $10.77/hr | $1,867 | $22,400 | $19,671 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.08/hr | $2,267 | $27,200 | $23,433 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $14.90/hr | $2,583 | $31,000 | $26,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.79/hr | $3,083 | $37,000 | $30,942 |
| 90th Percentile | $19.09/hr | $3,308 | $39,700 | $33,004 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Asheville, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$31,000 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in North Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Asheville, NC
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC is $31,000, which equates to approximately $2,583 per month or $14.90 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC is $14.90 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.77/hour and one in ten earned more than $19.09/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Asheville, NC span from $22,400 at the 10th percentile to $27,200 at the 25th, $37,000 at the 75th, and $39,700 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Asheville, NC?
On a median gross salary of $31,000, an estimated $26,360 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,014 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,640 (an effective rate of 15%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Asheville, NC?
On the median annual salary of $31,000, gross monthly income is $2,583. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,197 per month (or $1,014 every two weeks).
Is $31,000 a good salary in Asheville, NC?
At $31,000, the median salary for food preparation workers is 43.2% of the Asheville, NC median household income ($71,838). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 96.5, making regional consumer goods and services 3.5% cheaper than the U.S. average.