Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
In Madison, WI, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation. The specific pay rates in Madison are influenced by a combination of local business needs and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,220.
- Outlook: Madison, WI boasts a substantial workforce of 33,170 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a robust presence in the local economy. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services. The presence of 81.81 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this sector within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Madison, WI earns-4.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$659
$2,854
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Madison's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer demands typically drive modest increases in wages for service-oriented roles, reflecting both inflation and a desire to retain skilled workers in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Madison, WI, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear career pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise with increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,520 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,688 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,140 | $15.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,813 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,220 | $23.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,250 in Madison, WI aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations worker in Madison is directly comparable to that of a worker in a typical U.S. city. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively meets the average national standard.
Job Market Context
33,170
Total Jobs
81.81
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 0.93x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Madison, WI is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced job market where the demand for these services is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to other regions. Professionals can expect a competitive but accessible employment landscape, with opportunities available without the intense competition often seen in areas with significantly higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,530↓ 11% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,850↓ 1% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,740↓ 10% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,190↓ 3% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,610↓ 8% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Madison, WI is $34,250. This typically ranges from $21,520 for entry-level positions to $48,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 4.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.The average salary of $34,250 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, resulting in comparable purchasing power.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($30,530) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's Food Prep salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Madison, WI is $34,250, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Madison, WI for Food Prep workers?
Madison, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the typical U.S. city.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation jobs in Madison, WI?
The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests a demand for these roles that is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent market.
How many Food Preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Madison, WI?
There are 81.81 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Madison, WI, reflecting a solid presence of these roles in the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 33,170 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 81.81 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Madison, WI
- All Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Production Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Management Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
- Browse All Jobs in Madison, WI →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Madison, WI