SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Helena, MT

In Helena, MT, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,010. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Montana capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,520.
  • Outlook: Helena, MT supports a local workforce of 3,910 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the concentration of these roles is nearly identical to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,010

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Helena, MT earns-11.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.4

Weekly

$616

Monthly

$2,668

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Helena, MT

Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and specialized positions often command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and skill, with percentile gaps illustrating these advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,630$10.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,008$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,440$14.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,013$19.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,520$21.9

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,010 in Helena, MT aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of earnings in Helena is comparable to the national standard, making the salary's value relatively stable.

Job Market Context

3,910

Total Jobs

89.476

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Helena, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

Helena, MT's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations market exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.01, indicating a job market that is very closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced environment where the number of available jobs is proportionate to the workforce size, implying moderate competition and steady employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Helena, MT?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Helena, MT is $32,010. This typically ranges from $21,630 for entry-level positions to $45,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 11.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $32,010 is below the national average of $35,960, suggesting less financial advantage for these roles in Helena.

Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?

Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($31,240) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.

How does Helena, MT's average salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Helena, MT is $32,010, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Helena, MT?

Helena, MT has a Location Quotient of 1.01 for these occupations, meaning the concentration is very close to the national average, indicating a stable presence of these jobs.

How does the cost of living in Helena, MT affect the salary?

Helena, MT has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $32,010 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.

What is the total number of people employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Helena, MT?

There are approximately 3,910 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Helena, MT.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,910 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 89.476 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.