Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lebanon, PA
In Lebanon, PA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in regions where the cost of labor may be influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the food service industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,530 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Lebanon, PA demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that this field is nearly as concentrated as the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lebanon, PA earns-11.4%below the national average.
$15.3
$613
$2,656
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lebanon, PA's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits typically drive modest increases in compensation for service-oriented roles, reflecting both inflation and a sustained need for these essential workers.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lebanon, PA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, career progression significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as professionals gain skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $23,903 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,290 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,838 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,910 | $21.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,870 in Lebanon, PA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average for the occupation, the cost of essential goods and services remains balanced.
Job Market Context
4,530
Total Jobs
84.944
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Lebanon, PA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.96 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lebanon, PA indicates that this industry is present at a level very close to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of workers is not significantly higher or lower than elsewhere in the country, implying a balanced supply and demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,760↑ 3% | 22 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,900↑ 3% | 25 mi |
| Reading, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,480↑ 2% | 26 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↑ 0% | 31 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,320↑ 8% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lebanon, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lebanon, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lebanon, PA is $31,870. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $44,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lebanon, PA is 11.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lebanon, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,870 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while expenses are manageable, the earning potential is not a primary draw for this role in Lebanon, PA.
Is Lebanon, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lebanon, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lebanon, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lancaster, PA ($32,760) and Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA.
How does Lebanon, PA's average salary compare to the national average for this field?
The average annual salary in Lebanon, PA for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $31,870, which is approximately $4,090 less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this job title in Lebanon, PA?
An LQ of 0.96 means that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Lebanon, PA is very close to the national average. It indicates a stable presence of these jobs without an unusually high or low demand compared to other regions.
How does the Cost of Living in Lebanon, PA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lebanon, PA is at the national average. This means the $31,870 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, balancing the slightly lower nominal wage.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lebanon, PA?
There are approximately 4,530 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lebanon, PA, representing 84.944 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,530 employees in the Lebanon, PA area with a job density of 84.944 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 Lebanon, PA