Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Merced, CA
In Merced, CA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $39,260. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized demand that slightly outpaces broader market trends. Factors such as the regional economic landscape and the specific needs of the Merced area contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,500.
- Outlook: Merced boasts a substantial workforce of 6,720 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with 85.102 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests a market concentration that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and robust presence of these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Merced, CA earns+9.2%above the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,272
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 Merced have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a consistent, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,445 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,075 | $23.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,500 | $22.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,260 in Merced aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
6,720
Total Jobs
85.102
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Merced, CA 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Merced is highly representative of the national landscape. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market is not overly saturated nor is there a significant shortage of workers compared to the rest of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $40,510↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,250↓ 0% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,680↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $43,540↑ 11% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $47,390↑ 21% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Merced, CA is $39,260. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $46,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 9.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Merced offers competitive compensation for these roles.The average salary of $39,260 slightly exceeds the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings maintain strong purchasing power.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($40,510) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's salary for food prep jobs compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Merced is $39,260, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Merced compared to the nation?
Merced has a Location Quotient of 0.96 for these roles, indicating a job concentration that is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Merced affect the salary?
Merced's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $39,260 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of people employed in Food Preparation in Merced?
There are 6,720 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Merced, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,720 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 85.102 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 Merced, CA