Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation in this sector within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,690.
- Outlook: Altoona, PA supports a substantial workforce of 5,490 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, this sector demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Altoona, PA earns-18.7%below the national average.
$14.1
$562
$2,435
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona is not provided, it is generally observed that roles within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen consistent, albeit modest, salary growth over the past four years nationally. This trend is often driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions, which likely also impact the compensation landscape in Altoona.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Altoona, PA, typically involves a clear salary scaling from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, the gap between the lowest and highest earners, often represented by salary percentiles, signifies substantial opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential with accumulated experience and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,630 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,915 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,450 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,525 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,690 | $19.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $29,220 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this occupation, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
5,490
Total Jobs
94.555
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Altoona, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Altoona, PA's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector boasts a Location Quotient of 1.07, indicating a concentration of these jobs that is 7% higher than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Altoona is slightly more robust and competitive for these roles compared to the broader national landscape, potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,320↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,540↑ 11% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,350↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,110↑ 17% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,040↑ 10% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Altoona, PA is $29,220. This typically ranges from $18,630 for entry-level positions to $40,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 18.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $29,220 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960 for these roles.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($28,320) and State College, PA.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Altoona, PA?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Altoona, PA is $29,220.
How does Altoona's salary compare to the national average for this field?
The average salary in Altoona ($29,220) is below the national average ($35,960) for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA?
Altoona, PA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Altoona?
The concentration of these jobs in Altoona, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.07, is slightly higher than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,490 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 94.555 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 Altoona, PA