SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL

In Decatur, IL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized compensation trend. Factors such as the regional economic landscape and the specific demand within the Decatur area likely contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,600.
  • Outlook: Decatur, IL supports a substantial workforce of 3,690 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy. The presence of over 81 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the ongoing need for skilled professionals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,510

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.1

Weekly

$644

Monthly

$2,793

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, supervisors, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the opportunities for advancement and the value placed on accumulated skills and experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,133$12.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,950$14.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,888$20.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,600$19.5

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $33,510 in Decatur, IL 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 consistent with what one would expect nationally, making it neither a particularly high nor low-cost area to live and work in terms of overall expenses.

Job Market Context

3,690

Total Jobs

81.474

Per 1K Jobs

0.92

Location Quotient

Below Average

Decatur, IL has 0.92x 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 0.92, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available jobs is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, indicating moderate competition and stable employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Decatur, IL?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL is $33,510. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $40,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 6.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Decatur, IL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $33,510 is respectable, it falls slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living also matches the national average, meaning your earnings will have comparable purchasing power.

Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($33,950) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does Decatur's Food Prep salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL is $33,510, which is approximately $2,450 less than the national average of $35,960.

What is the cost of living in Decatur, IL?

Decatur, IL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many people work in Food Preparation in Decatur, IL?

There are approximately 3,690 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, IL.

Is the job market for Food Preparation strong in Decatur, IL?

The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.92 indicating a concentration of these jobs nearly matching the national average, and 81.474 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,690 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 81.474 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.