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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dover, DE

In Dover, DE, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation within this sector in the Delaware capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,980.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 6,670 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Dover, DE demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.1, suggests that this sector is slightly more prevalent in Dover compared to the national average, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for these roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,810

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dover, DE earns-3.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$669

Monthly

$2,901

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Dover, DE

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dover, DE, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the value of their expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,560$13.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,108$12.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,660$14.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,513$20.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,980$22.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $34,810 in Dover, DE, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Dover is comparable to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.

Job Market Context

6,670

Total Jobs

97.42

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Dover, DE has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dover, DE, indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present, and the availability of talent is slightly more focused within the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Dover, DE?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dover, DE is $34,810. This typically ranges from $27,560 for entry-level positions to $45,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 3.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for these roles in Dover, DE, is slightly below the national average, indicating no substantial financial advantage.

Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($36,730) and Vineland, NJ.

How does Dover, DE compare to the national average for Food Preparation salaries?

The average annual salary in Dover, DE, is $34,810, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Dover, DE?

Dover, DE has a Location Quotient of 1.1 for these occupations, meaning they are slightly more concentrated than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Dover, DE affect the salary?

The cost of living in Dover, DE, is exactly at the national average (100), so the slightly lower salary effectively means purchasing power is also at the national average.

How many Food Preparation workers are there in Dover, DE?

There are approximately 6,670 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dover, DE.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,670 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 97.42 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.