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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Prep Chef in North Carolina is $36,225 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Prep Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Prep Chef Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,885 | $3,240 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,225 | $3,019 | $697 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,306 | $2,692 | $621 | $16 |
Lowes Foods - Kernersville, NC
Lowes Foods - Wendell, NC
Lowes Foods - Mooresville, NC
Lowes Foods - Banner Elk, NC
A Prep Chef's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Prep Chef's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Prep Chef | $36,388 |
| Intermediate Level Prep Chef | $37,041 |
| Senior Level Prep Chef | $37,869 |
| Specialist Level Prep Chef | $37,982 |
| Expert Level Prep Chef | $38,170 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Prep Cheves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Prep Chef roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Prep Chef positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Prep Chef as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $54,337 | $26.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $52,526 | $25.0 | 45% |
| Biotechnology | $50,715 | $24.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $48,903 | $24.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $45,281 | $22.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a Prep Chef's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,885 | $3,240 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,225 | $3,019 | $697 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,306 | $2,692 | $621 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Prep Chef job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Lowes Foods
Doolie, NC
Lowes Foods | Doolie, NC
Lowes Foods is seeking a Pick & Prep Chef for our Mooresville, NC store. In this fresh-focused role, you’ll prepare cut fruits and vegetables, meal compone... more
5 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Foscoe, NC
Lowes Foods | Foscoe, NC
Lowes Foods is seeking a Pick & Prep Chef for our Banner Elk, NC store. In this in-store fresh foods role, you’ll prepare, chop, and portion fruits, vegeta... more
5 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Eagle Rock, NC
Lowes Foods | Eagle Rock, NC
Lowes Foods is seeking a Pick & Prep Chef for our Wendell, NC store. In this guest-facing role, you’ll prepare fresh produce, meats, and ready-to-cook item... more
5 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Cape Carteret, NC
Lowes Foods | Cape Carteret, NC
Lowes Foods - JobID: 133338 [Prep Cook / Kitchen Staff] As a Pick & Prep Chef at Lowes Foods, you'll: Properly cook the food to order and create a smooth f... more
6 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Kannapolis, NC
Lowes Foods | Kannapolis, NC
Lowes Foods - JobID: 133417 [Prep Cook / Kitchen Staff] As a Pick & Prep Chef at Lowes Foods, you'll: Properly cook the food to order and create a smooth f... more
6 Days Ago
Lowes Foods
Kernersville, NC
Lowes Foods | Kernersville, NC
Pick & Prep Product Specialist. To prepare Pick & Prep product and provide product preparation services to create a sensory and engaging experience for gue... more
6 Days Ago
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