Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
In Elkhart-Goshen, IN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $31,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,430.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area supports a substantial workforce of 7,490 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. While the Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 60 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not dominant, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-13.4%below the national average.
$15
$599
$2,595
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen's food preparation sector is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this field have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a steady demand for essential food services.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflected in the widening percentile gaps as one moves up the career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,290 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,355 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,270 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,925 | $18.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,430 | $19.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,140 in Elkhart-Goshen aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary locally is comparable to the national standard, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than elsewhere in the U.S.
Job Market Context
7,490
Total Jobs
58.301
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 0.66x 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 0.66, the Elkhart-Goshen market has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that while these roles are present and necessary, the job market may be less saturated than in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,380↑ 1% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,190↑ 13% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,820↑ 12% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,250↓ 3% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,980↑ 12% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $31,140. This typically ranges from $21,290 for entry-level positions to $40,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 13.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,140 is below the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is similar, but the earning potential is lower.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($31,380) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $31,140, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100, which is exactly at the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
How many people work in Food Preparation in Elkhart-Goshen?
There are approximately 7,490 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Elkhart-Goshen area.
Is there high demand for food preparation jobs in Elkhart-Goshen?
With 58.301 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.66, there is a steady demand, though the concentration of these roles is slightly below 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 7,490 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 58.301 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN