In the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, may be influencing compensation. The cost of living in this region is precisely at the national average, suggesting that the salary offers a standard purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,920.
- Outlook: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton region supports a substantial workforce of 30,580 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established presence of this sector within the local economy. The rate of 82.634 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-4.6%below the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,860
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. The ongoing need for these essential services typically ensures a baseline level of wage progression, even if it fluctuates with economic conditions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this sector highlight the opportunities for advancement and the rewards associated with gaining experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,020 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,740 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,900 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,920 | $22.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,320 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to average purchasing power when compared to the rest of the country, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
30,580
Total Jobs
82.634
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.94x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the national distribution, indicating neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of workers relative to demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $34,320. This typically ranges from $22,020 for entry-level positions to $46,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 4.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $34,320 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering standard purchasing power.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($32,480) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is $34,320, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The Cost of Living Index for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is very close to the national average.
How many Food Preparation workers are there in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
There are approximately 30,580 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30,580 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 82.634 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ