Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Maryland
In Maryland, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $38,400. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as the state's economic landscape and demand within the food service industry likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,170.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 209,380 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Maryland demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.86 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers indicates a robust and active job market, implying consistent demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland earns+6.8%above the national average.
$18.5
$738
$3,200
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and a competitive labor market that necessitates higher compensation to attract and retain talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Maryland
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the value placed on experience, leadership, and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,800 | $13.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,900 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,000 | $23.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,170 | $23.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,695
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
The average annual salary of $38,400 in Maryland for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations must be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This index, which is 25.1% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of the $38,400 salary is reduced. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of living suggests that disposable income may be comparable or potentially lower than in more affordable regions.
Job Market Context
209,380
Total Jobs
76.24
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Maryland has 0.86x 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.
Maryland's location quotient of 0.86 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and employs a significant number of people, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to other states. This could imply a moderately competitive market where opportunities exist but are not overwhelmingly abundant relative to the national distribution.
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Comparing salaries near Maryland
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland is $38,400. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $49,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 6.8% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Moderately. While the average salary is above the national average, the high cost of living offsets some of this advantage.The average salary of $38,400 is higher than the national average, but Maryland's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means your earnings will not stretch as far as they might elsewhere.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($42,190) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland is $38,400.
How does Maryland's average salary compare to the national average?
Maryland's average salary of $38,400 is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Maryland?
Maryland has a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, which is 25.1% higher than the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland?
There are 209,380 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Maryland.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 209,380 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 76.24 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 Maryland