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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

In Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating localized market dynamics and potentially different cost pressures or demand levels compared to the broader U.S. landscape. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration within the Harrisburg-Carlisle metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,270.
  • Outlook: The Harrisburg-Carlisle area supports a substantial workforce of 24,910 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of approximately 75.3 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,900

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA earns-8.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.8

Weekly

$633

Monthly

$2,742

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Harrisburg-Carlisle, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,540$10.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,675$11.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,710$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$41,125$19.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,270$22.2

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,900

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,900 in Harrisburg-Carlisle aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal wage is slightly lower than the national average for the occupation, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a significant disadvantage.

Job Market Context

24,910

Total Jobs

75.305

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has 0.85x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.85 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisburg-Carlisle indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor unusually scarce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

CitySalaryDist.
York-Hanover, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$32,010↓ 3%23 mi
Lebanon, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$31,870↓ 3%25 mi
Lancaster, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$32,760↓ 0%35 mi
Gettysburg, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$32,040↓ 3%36 mi
Chambersburg, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$31,350↓ 5%47 mi

Comparing salaries near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $32,900. This typically ranges from $21,540 for entry-level positions to $46,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 8.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,900 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?

Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($32,010) and Lebanon, PA.

How does the Harrisburg-Carlisle salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisburg-Carlisle is $32,900, which is approximately $3,060 less than the national average of $35,960.

What is the job concentration like for these roles in Harrisburg-Carlisle?

The Location Quotient of 0.85 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Harrisburg-Carlisle compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?

No, the cost of living in Harrisburg-Carlisle is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $32,900 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many food preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Harrisburg-Carlisle?

There are approximately 75.3 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Harrisburg-Carlisle metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,910 employees in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area with a job density of 75.305 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA