SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kokomo, IN

In Kokomo, IN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $30,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in determining compensation within this sector in Kokomo.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,220.
  • Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Kokomo, IN, demonstrates a solid presence with a local workforce of 4,300 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.37 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 37% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the Kokomo metropolitan area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,720

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kokomo, IN earns-14.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.8

Weekly

$591

Monthly

$2,560

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Kokomo, IN

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kokomo typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, supervisors, and specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the opportunities for advancement and specialization within this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,800$10
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,040$11.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,920$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,400$18.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$41,220$19.8

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$30,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Kokomo, the average annual salary of $30,720 aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned in food preparation roles in Kokomo has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial baseline without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

4,300

Total Jobs

120.895

Per 1K Jobs

1.37

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.37, Kokomo, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

Kokomo's Location Quotient of 1.37 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations signifies a market where these roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking talent, while also indicating ample opportunities for job seekers within this specific occupational category.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Kokomo, IN?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kokomo, IN is $30,720. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $41,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kokomo, IN is 14.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Kokomo, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $30,720 is below the national average, it is offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your earnings have average national purchasing power.

Is Kokomo, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Kokomo, IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN ($30,150) and Muncie, IN.

How does Kokomo's salary for food prep compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kokomo, IN is $30,720, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Kokomo?

Kokomo has a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.37.

Does the cost of living in Kokomo affect the value of the salary?

No, the Cost of Living Index in Kokomo is 100, which is the national average. This means the $30,720 salary has average national purchasing power.

How many people work in food preparation in Kokomo?

There are approximately 4,300 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kokomo, IN.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,300 employees in the Kokomo, IN area with a job density of 120.895 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.