Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Columbus, OH
In Columbus, OH, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $34,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and the specific economic landscape of Ohio's capital influence compensation within this sector. Factors such as the cost of doing business and the overall demand for these services in the region contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,930.
- Outlook: Columbus boasts a substantial workforce of 94,370 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these roles in Columbus is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and robust job market. The presence of 86.966 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for skilled professionals in this field within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus, OH earns-4.1%below the national average.
$16.6
$663
$2,873
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Columbus, like most areas, has experienced steady growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by population increases, evolving consumer dining habits, and the expansion of the hospitality and food service industries, which would likely translate to modest salary increases for dedicated workers.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Columbus, OH
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus offers significant earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized culinary roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the rewards for gaining experience, developing advanced skills, and taking on greater responsibilities within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,900 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,853 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,030 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,088 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,930 | $22.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,470 in Columbus aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations professional in Columbus is equivalent to the national standard. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers essential expenses at a comparable rate to other major US cities.
Job Market Context
94,370
Total Jobs
86.966
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Columbus, OH has 0.98x 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 0.98, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus, OH, is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates that the industry is neither significantly over- nor under-represented compared to the rest of the country. Consequently, job seekers can expect a competitive yet accessible market, with opportunities available but requiring diligence to secure desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Columbus, OH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Columbus, OH?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus, OH is $34,470. This typically ranges from $23,900 for entry-level positions to $46,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, OH is 4.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Columbus, OH a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,470 is slightly below the national average of $35,960, but the cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning earning potential is comparable.
Is Columbus, OH a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) ($30,820) and West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area.
How does Columbus's job market compare to the national average for this role?
Columbus's job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is very similar to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.98.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus, OH?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus, OH is $34,470.
How does the cost of living in Columbus affect salaries?
The cost of living in Columbus is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $34,470 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Columbus?
Yes, with 86.966 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient near 1.0, the demand is stable and consistent with national levels.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 94,370 employees in the Columbus, OH area with a job density of 86.966 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 Columbus, OH