Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$31,500$15.14 per hour · $2,625 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Food Preparation Workers Wage Percentiles in Raleigh-Cary, 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 | $10.96/hr | $1,900 | $22,800 | $19,985 |
| 25th Percentile | $13.32/hr | $2,308 | $27,700 | $23,824 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $15.14/hr | $2,625 | $31,500 | $26,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $18.08/hr | $3,133 | $37,600 | $31,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $19.38/hr | $3,358 | $40,300 | $33,462 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Raleigh-Cary, NC
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$31,500 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC
What is the median salary for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The official BLS median annual wage for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $31,500, which equates to approximately $2,625 per month or $15.14 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median hourly wage for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $15.14 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $10.96/hour and one in ten earned more than $19.38/hour.
What is the pay range for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
BLS wage estimates for food preparation workers in Raleigh-Cary, NC span from $22,800 at the 10th percentile to $27,700 at the 25th, $37,600 at the 75th, and $40,300 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do food preparation workers take home after taxes in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
On a median gross salary of $31,500, an estimated $26,742 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,029 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in North Carolina in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $4,758 (an effective rate of 15.1%).
How much do food preparation workers make per month in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
On the median annual salary of $31,500, gross monthly income is $2,625. After federal, FICA, and North Carolina state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,229 per month (or $1,029 every two weeks).
Is $31,500 a good salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
At $31,500, the median salary for food preparation workers is 31.5% of the Raleigh-Cary, NC median household income ($100,103). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 98.2, making regional consumer goods and services 1.8% cheaper than the U.S. average.