Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
In Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $34,820. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic influence compensation in this region. The cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage is precisely at the national average, meaning this salary offers standard purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,040.
- Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area supports a substantial workforce of 10,790 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and well-established market for these occupations. The presence of approximately 90 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores the consistent demand and availability of opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-3.2%below the national average.
$16.7
$670
$2,902
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Kalamazoo-Portage isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wages, and evolving consumer demand for dining services, leading to a gradual upward adjustment in average compensation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage is marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized servers can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in percentile salary data, signifies 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) | $23,250 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,115 | $12.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,060 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,525 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,040 | $23.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,820 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, individuals relocating to Kalamazoo-Portage can expect their earnings to cover essential expenses and discretionary spending at a rate comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
10,790
Total Jobs
90.057
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage is nearly on par with the national concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available jobs closely mirrors the national distribution relative to the overall workforce. While not indicating an exceptionally high demand or saturation, it points to a steady and predictable employment landscape for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,980↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,140↓ 11% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,190↑ 1% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $35,630↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,380↓ 10% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $34,820. This typically ranges from $23,250 for entry-level positions to $48,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 3.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,820 is slightly below the national average of $35,960, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($34,980) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the Kalamazoo-Portage salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kalamazoo-Portage is $34,820, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The Cost of Living Index for Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating typical living expenses.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage?
The concentration of these jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.02, indicating a presence very close to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Kalamazoo-Portage?
There are approximately 10,790 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Kalamazoo-Portage area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,790 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 90.057 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI