Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Missoula, MT
In Missoula, MT, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,610. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this sector within the city. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living parity offers a unique perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,900.
- Outlook: Missoula, MT supports a substantial workforce of 7,270 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The location quotient of 1.24 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 24% higher than the national average, indicating a robust and relatively in-demand job market for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Missoula, MT earns-9.3%below the national average.
$15.7
$627
$2,718
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Missoula'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 factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most industries, including food service, suggesting a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Missoula, MT
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Missoula, MT, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential with experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,780 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,458 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,310 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,763 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,900 | $22.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,610 in Missoula, MT, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in Missoula is equivalent to that of their national counterpart, offering a stable financial environment without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
7,270
Total Jobs
109.213
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Missoula, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.24, Missoula, MT, demonstrates a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is more developed or specialized in Missoula, potentially offering more opportunities or a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Helena, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↓ 2% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Missoula, MT
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Missoula, MT?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Missoula, MT is $32,610. This typically ranges from $21,780 for entry-level positions to $45,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Missoula, MT is 9.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Missoula, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $32,610 is below the national average, Missoula's cost of living is also at the national average. This means your earnings will likely maintain similar purchasing power to the national average.
Is Missoula, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Missoula, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Missoula, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Helena, MT ($32,010) and others.
How does Missoula's job market compare nationally for food preparation roles?
Missoula has a higher concentration of food preparation jobs than the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 1.24, suggesting a strong local presence in this industry.
What is the average salary for food preparation workers in Missoula, MT?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Missoula, MT, is $32,610.
How does the cost of living in Missoula affect the salary?
Missoula's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $32,610 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary average.
Are there many food preparation jobs in Missoula?
Yes, with 109.213 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 7,270 in this sector, Missoula has a significant presence of food preparation roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,270 employees in the Missoula, MT area with a job density of 109.213 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 Missoula, MT