In the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this sector in non-urban settings. The lower average salary is often a characteristic of areas with a lower cost of living and different market dynamics compared to major metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,770.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East-Central Montana appears stable, with a local workforce of 5,940 individuals in this field. The location quotient of 1.11 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a steady, if not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-13.8%below the national average.
$14.9
$596
$2,584
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws, though the pace of increase may vary significantly from national averages.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in East-Central Montana, salary progression is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways for dedicated individuals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,680 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,258 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,750 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,763 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,770 | $20.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,010 in East-Central Montana aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, as expenses for housing, utilities, and everyday goods are also at the national average.
Job Market Context
5,940
Total Jobs
97.852
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.11, the market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East-Central Montana is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are a relatively important part of the local economy and that there is a slightly higher availability of these jobs per worker compared to the rest of the country, indicating a moderately competitive but accessible job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,240↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↑ 3% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,320↑ 17% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is $31,010. This typically ranges from $21,680 for entry-level positions to $42,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 13.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $31,010 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the overall earning potential is lower than in many other regions.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($31,240) and Helena, MT.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East-Central Montana is $31,010, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in East-Central Montana?
The Cost of Living Index in East-Central Montana is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning prices for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.11 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more concentrated in East-Central Montana than the national average, suggesting a stable demand.
What is the total workforce size for these roles locally?
There are approximately 5,940 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the East-Central Montana 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 5,940 employees in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 97.852 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 East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area