Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$34,700$16.68 per hour · $2,892 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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 (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $11.92/hr | $2,067 | $24,800 | $21,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $14.42/hr | $2,500 | $30,000 | $25,987 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $16.68/hr | $2,892 | $34,700 | $29,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $19.13/hr | $3,317 | $39,800 | $33,666 |
| 90th Percentile | $20.91/hr | $3,625 | $43,500 | $36,546 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$34,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in South Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $34,700, which equates to approximately $2,892 per month or $16.68 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $16.68 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $11.92/hour and one in ten earned more than $20.91/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC span from $24,800 at the 10th percentile to $30,000 at the 25th, $39,800 at the 75th, and $43,500 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
On a median gross salary of $34,700, an estimated $29,669 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,141 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in South Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $5,031 (an effective rate of 14.5%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
On the median annual salary of $34,700, gross monthly income is $2,892. After federal, FICA, and South Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,472 per month (or $1,141 every two weeks).
Is $34,700 a good salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
At $34,700, the median salary for food preparation workers is 40.7% of the Charleston-North Charleston, SC median household income ($85,254). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 101.0, making regional consumer goods and services 1% more expensive than the U.S. average.