In Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,870. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand or different industry composition typical of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,060.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 15,630 individuals in these roles, the job market in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas shows a steady presence. The Location Quotient of 0.95 indicates that this sector is nearly as concentrated as the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for food preparation and serving professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-14.2%below the national average.
$14.8
$594
$2,573
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across many industries.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas, salary progression is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with supervisory duties command higher compensation, with percentile gaps clearly signifying opportunities for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,820 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,153 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,660 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,588 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,060 | $21.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,870 in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stable compared to other regions, making the financial impact of relocation neutral in terms of living expenses.
Job Market Context
15,630
Total Jobs
83.983
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 0.95x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.95 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas suggests a job market that is closely aligned with the national concentration of these roles. This indicates a competitive but stable environment where the number of available positions is proportionate to the workforce size, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,950↑ 0% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,540↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,140↑ 27% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,900↑ 7% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,870↑ 3% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $30,870. This typically ranges from $18,820 for entry-level positions to $44,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 14.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $30,870 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($30,950) and State College, PA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area is $30,870, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index for Central Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation and Serving workforce in this region?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, indicating that the proportion of these workers in the local workforce is very close to the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations locally?
There are 15,630 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,630 employees in the Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 83.983 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 Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area