SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE

In Lincoln, NE, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized compensation structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,230 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,050.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 16,370 individuals in these roles and a Location Quotient of 1.02, Lincoln, NE, demonstrates a job market that is closely aligned with national concentrations. This suggests a stable and consistent demand for food preparation and serving professionals, indicating a robust employment landscape for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,230

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lincoln, NE earns-4.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.5

Weekly

$658

Monthly

$2,853

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lincoln, NE, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the percentile gaps in earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,960$12
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,673$12.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,610$14.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,788$20.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,050$22.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,230

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,230

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,230 in Lincoln, NE, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Lincoln is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without significant upward or downward pressure on disposable income.

Job Market Context

16,370

Total Jobs

90.482

Per 1K Jobs

1.02

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.02, Lincoln, NE has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.02 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lincoln, NE, indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is very slightly above the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where the number of available positions is well-balanced with the number of skilled workers, offering good opportunities without extreme saturation.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lincoln, NE?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lincoln, NE is $34,230. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $46,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 4.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,230 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable earning potential and purchasing power.

Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?

Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($35,110) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.

How does Lincoln, NE compare to the national average for food prep salaries?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lincoln, NE, is $34,230, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of food prep jobs in Lincoln, NE?

Lincoln, NE has a Location Quotient of 1.02 for these occupations, meaning the concentration of jobs is very slightly above the national average, indicating a stable market.

How does the cost of living in Lincoln, NE affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lincoln's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $34,230 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the job market look like for food prep workers in Lincoln, NE?

The market is robust, with a significant local workforce and a concentration of jobs that closely mirrors the national average, suggesting consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,370 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 90.482 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.