Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in El Centro, CA
In El Centro, CA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $39,890. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized demand or specific market dynamics at play within this California city. Factors such as the local economy and the cost of doing business likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,490.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 4,650 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, El Centro presents a significant concentration of these roles. The location quotient of 0.83 suggests that while the industry is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 73.501 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in El Centro, CA earns+10.9%above the national average.
$19.2
$767
$3,324
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 El Centro have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector, ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of living and industry standards.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in El Centro, CA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in El Centro typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and skill development with greater financial compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,918 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,320 | $17.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,863 | $24 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,490 | $22.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,890 in El Centro 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 in El Centro is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for residents. While the salary is above the national average for the occupation, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for those considering relocation.
Job Market Context
4,650
Total Jobs
73.501
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
El Centro, CA has 0.83x 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.
El Centro's location quotient of 0.83 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is well-represented, there isn't an overwhelming surplus of workers compared to other regions. This balance can translate into a competitive job market where skilled individuals have a reasonable opportunity to find employment without facing extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Yuma, AZ Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,210↓ 9% | 60 mi |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $42,200↑ 6% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near El Centro, CA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in El Centro, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in El Centro, CA is $39,890. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $47,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in El Centro, CA is 10.9% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is El Centro, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $39,890 in El Centro is higher than the national average of $35,960, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. This combination offers a slightly more favorable financial environment for these roles compared to the broader U.S.
Is El Centro, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in El Centro, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near El Centro, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Yuma, AZ ($36,210) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in El Centro, CA?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in El Centro, CA is $39,890.
How does El Centro's salary compare to the national average for this occupation?
The average salary in El Centro ($39,890) is higher than the national average ($35,960) for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
What is the Cost of Living Index in El Centro, CA?
El Centro, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations job market in El Centro?
The job market in El Centro is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a location quotient of 0.83, indicating a stable demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,650 employees in the El Centro, CA area with a job density of 73.501 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 El Centro, CA