Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,310.
- Outlook: The Lafayette-West Lafayette area supports a substantial workforce of 10,130 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, this sector demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average, indicating a robust and established presence of these occupations within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-16.2%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,513
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lafayette-West Lafayette have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase is typical for service-oriented roles in regional economies.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the value placed on experience, skill, and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,070 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,613 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,290 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,688 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,310 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,150 in Lafayette-West Lafayette aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
10,130
Total Jobs
99.296
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 signifies that food preparation and serving roles are more concentrated in Lafayette-West Lafayette than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these services and a potentially competitive market for employers seeking talent, while also indicating ample opportunities for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $30,150. This typically ranges from $21,070 for entry-level positions to $39,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 16.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,150 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par, making the local purchasing power comparable.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($30,720) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 10,130 suggests a significant pool of talent and a substantial number of establishments employing individuals in food preparation and serving roles, indicating consistent demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.12 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.12, indicates that these jobs are more prevalent in Lafayette-West Lafayette than nationally, suggesting a strong job market and potentially more opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
How does the cost of living affect the $30,150 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,150 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have nationally, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in Lafayette-West Lafayette?
Yes, as in most locations, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less than senior roles, reflecting a typical career progression and skill-based compensation structure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,130 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 99.296 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN