Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Billings, MT
In Billings, MT, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,540. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Montana market. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living parity offers a unique perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,220.
- Outlook: Billings, MT, hosts a substantial workforce of 10,290 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The Location Quotient of 1.24 suggests a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the local economy. This concentration indicates that the food service sector is a significant employer in Billings.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Billings, MT earns-9.5%below the national average.
$15.6
$626
$2,712
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Billings' food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive up wages in most sectors, including food service, though the pace of growth can vary based on local economic conditions and labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Billings, MT
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Billings, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with supervisory or specialized culinary skills command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,040 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,405 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,160 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,675 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,220 | $21.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,540 in Billings aligns precisely with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that, on paper, the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in Billings is equivalent to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area, despite the slightly lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
10,290
Total Jobs
109.684
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Billings, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.24, Billings demonstrates a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the rest of the United States. This suggests that the job market in Billings is relatively more robust for these roles, potentially offering more opportunities and a slightly more competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Billings, MT?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Billings, MT is $32,540. This typically ranges from $22,040 for entry-level positions to $45,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Billings, MT is 9.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Billings, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative based on average salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for these roles is below the national average. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Billings, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Billings, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Billings has 109.684 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, which is higher than the national average, indicating a significant presence of these roles in the local workforce.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this job sector in Billings?
An LQ of 1.24 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 24% more concentrated in Billings than the national average. This points to a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job availability.
Does the cost of living in Billings affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Billings is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $32,540 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost-of-living area.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in food preparation in Billings?
Yes, like most sectors, experience and specialization typically lead to higher earnings, indicating clear pathways for career progression from entry-level to senior roles within the food preparation industry in Billings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,290 employees in the Billings, MT area with a job density of 109.684 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 Billings, MT