Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
In Fargo, ND-MN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $34,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence where local economic factors and demand influence compensation. The specific pay rates in Fargo reflect the interplay between the cost of living and the concentration of these roles within the regional workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,640.
- Outlook: The Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 12,740 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 86.364, these positions are a significant component of the local employment landscape. The location quotient of 0.98 indicates that this sector is nearly as concentrated as the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fargo, ND-MN earns-5.3%below the national average.
$16.4
$655
$2,839
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fargo's food preparation sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for service-oriented roles. This suggests that compensation for food preparation and serving positions in Fargo has likely seen modest but steady appreciation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Fargo, ND-MN
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fargo, ND-MN typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The salary distribution, though not explicitly detailed, would show a widening gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (senior roles), signifying substantial opportunities for advancement and increased income with acquired skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,710 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,553 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,480 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,588 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,640 | $22.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,070 in Fargo, ND-MN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a food preparation professional's income in Fargo is equivalent to the national standard. While the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable lifestyle to other regions across the country.
Job Market Context
12,740
Total Jobs
86.364
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Fargo, ND-MN has 0.98x 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 0.98, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations market in Fargo, ND-MN is nearly on par with the national concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions closely reflects the national average relative to the total workforce. It indicates neither an oversaturation nor a significant shortage of these roles, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,010↓ 3% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fargo, ND-MN
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fargo, ND-MN is $34,070. This typically ranges from $21,710 for entry-level positions to $46,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fargo, ND-MN is 5.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,070 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, resulting in comparable purchasing power.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Fargo, ND-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fargo, ND-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Forks, ND-MN ($33,010) and others.
How does Fargo's average salary compare to the national average for this field?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fargo, ND-MN is $34,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of Fargo's Cost of Living Index being 100?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that Fargo's overall cost of living is exactly the same as the national average, indicating that your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated are food preparation jobs in Fargo compared to the rest of the US?
Fargo has a location quotient of 0.98 for these occupations, meaning the industry is almost as concentrated in Fargo as it is nationally, suggesting a stable presence.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers tell us about the Fargo market?
With 86.364 jobs per 1,000 workers, food preparation and serving roles represent a significant portion of the local employment, indicating consistent demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,740 employees in the Fargo, ND-MN area with a job density of 86.364 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 Fargo, ND-MN