Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
In Harrisonburg, VA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $35,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to Harrisonburg influence compensation within this sector. While the difference is marginal, it underscores the importance of understanding regional pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 49.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,850.
- Outlook: Harrisonburg boasts a substantial workforce of 7,070 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.23, this sector is more concentrated in Harrisonburg than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these roles within the local economy. The high number of jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the significance of this industry in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisonburg, VA earns-1.7%below the national average.
$17
$680
$2,947
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Harrisonburg's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing demand for services typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for roles within this sector, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
Within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,900 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,060 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,200 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,850 | $23.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,360 in Harrisonburg 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 and Serving Related Occupations professional in Harrisonburg is equivalent to that of the average American. While not offering a significant financial advantage, it suggests a stable economic environment where earnings match typical expenses.
Job Market Context
7,070
Total Jobs
108.308
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Harrisonburg, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.23 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 23% more concentrated in Harrisonburg compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these roles, with a greater abundance of opportunities relative to the size of the workforce than typically found elsewhere. Employers may face moderate competition for talent, but the overall market appears favorable for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisonburg, VA is $35,360. This typically ranges from $26,900 for entry-level positions to $48,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 1.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a stable but not exceptionally profitable market for these roles in Harrisonburg.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($33,840) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does Harrisonburg's salary for Food Prep compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Harrisonburg, VA is $35,360, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Harrisonburg, VA?
Harrisonburg, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation jobs in Harrisonburg?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.23 suggests that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are more concentrated in Harrisonburg than the national average, indicating a strong local demand.
How many Food Preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Harrisonburg?
There are approximately 108.3 Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs per 1,000 workers in Harrisonburg, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,070 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 108.308 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 Harrisonburg, VA