SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Bakersfield-Delano, CA

In Bakersfield-Delano, CA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $39,210. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a potentially favorable economic environment for these roles within the region. Local market dynamics and demand likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,210 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,500.
  • Outlook: The Bakersfield-Delano region supports a substantial workforce of 27,040 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable yet not overly saturated market. The presence of approximately 80.67 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores a consistent demand for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,210

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bakersfield-Delano, CA earns+9.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.9

Weekly

$754

Monthly

$3,268

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Bakersfield-Delano, CA

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and the average of $39,210 signifies substantial earning potential for experienced professionals who develop specialized skills or take on supervisory responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,408$14.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,920$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$49,013$23.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,500$22.4

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,210

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,210

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $39,210 in Bakersfield-Delano aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

27,040

Total Jobs

80.672

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Bakersfield-Delano, CA has 0.91x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.91 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bakersfield-Delano indicates that the industry's presence is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities are readily available, but the competition may be slightly more pronounced than in areas with a significantly higher concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Bakersfield-Delano, CA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bakersfield-Delano, CA is $39,210. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $46,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bakersfield-Delano, CA is 9.0% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Bakersfield-Delano, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $39,210 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially stable choice.

Is Bakersfield-Delano, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Bakersfield-Delano, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bakersfield-Delano, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($40,500) and North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Bakersfield-Delano salary compare to the national average for this field?

The average annual salary in Bakersfield-Delano is $39,210, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What is the cost of living in Bakersfield-Delano compared to the rest of the country?

Bakersfield-Delano has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly on par with the national average.

Is the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations strong in Bakersfield-Delano?

With 27,040 local workers and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the market is stable and shows consistent demand, though slightly less concentrated than the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.91 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Bakersfield-Delano is slightly below the national average, indicating a competitive but accessible job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,040 employees in the Bakersfield-Delano, CA area with a job density of 80.672 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.