Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $47,890. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a premium placed on these roles within the nation's capital. The unique economic and governmental landscape of Washington D.C. likely contributes to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,730.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 55,610 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the District of Columbia demonstrates a robust presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (78.451) points to a stable and active job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in District of Columbia earns+33.2%above the national average.
$23
$921
$3,991
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 the District of Columbia have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for skilled service professionals, and a dynamic urban economy typically drive upward salary adjustments in metropolitan areas.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the District of Columbia is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced culinary skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The widening percentile gaps from entry-level to senior roles clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,920 | $17.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $35,918 | $17.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $42,960 | $20.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $59,863 | $28.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $72,730 | $35 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,206
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The average annual salary of $47,890 in the District of Columbia must be considered in light of its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that while the nominal income is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the increased cost of goods and services, particularly housing. Prospective residents should carefully weigh this factor when considering a move.
Job Market Context
55,610
Total Jobs
78.451
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.89x 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 0.89 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in the District of Columbia compared to the national average. This suggests that while the sector is well-established, it may not be as overwhelmingly dominant as in some other regions, potentially leading to a competitive job market for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in District of Columbia is $47,890. This typically ranges from $35,920 for entry-level positions to $72,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 33.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $47,890 is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting lucrative potential. However, the high cost of living index of 148.7 means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in other areas.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,750) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the salary compare to the national average for this occupation?
The average annual salary in the District of Columbia is $47,890, which is considerably higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living Index in the District of Columbia?
The Cost of Living Index in the District of Columbia is 148.7, meaning it is 48.7% more expensive to live there than the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in DC?
There are 55,610 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the District of Columbia.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.89 mean?
A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in the District of Columbia is slightly lower than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 55,610 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 78.451 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in District of Columbia
- All Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Management Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Legal Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other Salary in District of Columbia
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- General and Operations Managers Salary in District of Columbia
- Browse All Jobs in District of Columbia →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia