Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$31,300$15.05 per hour · $2,608 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Durham-Chapel Hill, 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 | $10.87/hr | $1,883 | $22,600 | $19,828 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.22/hr | $2,292 | $27,500 | $23,668 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $15.05/hr | $2,608 | $31,300 | $26,589 |
| 75th Percentile | $17.98/hr | $3,117 | $37,400 | $31,247 |
| 90th Percentile | $19.28/hr | $3,342 | $40,100 | $33,309 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$31,300 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $31,300, which equates to approximately $2,608 per month or $15.05 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $15.05 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.87/hour and one in ten earned more than $19.28/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC span from $22,600 at the 10th percentile to $27,500 at the 25th, $37,400 at the 75th, and $40,100 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
On a median gross salary of $31,300, an estimated $26,589 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,023 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,711 (an effective rate of 15%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
On the median annual salary of $31,300, gross monthly income is $2,608. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,216 per month (or $1,023 every two weeks).
Is $31,300 a good salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
At $31,300, the median salary for food preparation workers is 37.5% of the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC median household income ($83,500). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 97.6, making regional consumer goods and services 2.4% cheaper than the U.S. average.