Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$28,400$13.65 per hour · $2,367 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, 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 | $9.86/hr | $1,708 | $20,500 | $18,183 |
| 25th Percentile | $12.02/hr | $2,083 | $25,000 | $21,709 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $13.65/hr | $2,367 | $28,400 | $24,373 |
| 75th Percentile | $16.30/hr | $2,825 | $33,900 | $28,575 |
| 90th Percentile | $17.50/hr | $3,033 | $36,400 | $30,484 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$28,400 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare food preparation workers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in North Carolina:
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Preparation Workers Pay in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $28,400, which equates to approximately $2,367 per month or $13.65 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $13.65 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $9.86/hour and one in ten earned more than $17.50/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC span from $20,500 at the 10th percentile to $25,000 at the 25th, $33,900 at the 75th, and $36,400 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
On a median gross salary of $28,400, an estimated $24,373 lands in net take-home pay per year ($937 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,027 (an effective rate of 14.2%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
On the median annual salary of $28,400, gross monthly income is $2,367. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,031 per month (or $937 every two weeks).
Is $28,400 a good salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
At $28,400, the median salary for food preparation workers is 45.2% of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC median household income ($62,787). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 88.5, making regional consumer goods and services 11.5% cheaper than the U.S. average.