Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Montana
In Montana, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,670. This figure is approximately 9.1% lower than the national average of $35,960. Local economic factors, including the specific demand within Montana's hospitality sector and the overall cost of doing business, contribute to this regional pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,020.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 54,660 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Montana demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 21% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana earns-9.1%below the national average.
$15.7
$628
$2,723
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Montana's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and increased demand for services typically drive wage growth in most sectors, including hospitality.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Montana
Salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana typically scale with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as one moves from junior to senior capacities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,750 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,503 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,960 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,838 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,020 | $22.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,561
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
The average annual salary of $32,670 in Montana for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 106.9. This index is nearly 7% higher than the national average, meaning that the nominal salary may offer less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost-of-living area, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
54,660
Total Jobs
107.175
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Montana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Montana's Location Quotient of 1.21 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations signifies a market where these roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand for these workers compared to other professions within the state, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive hiring landscape for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,240↓ 4% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↓ 2% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,320↑ 11% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana is $32,670. This typically ranges from $21,750 for entry-level positions to $46,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 9.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the job market shows concentration, the average salary of $32,670 is below the national average, and the cost of living is higher than the national average.
Is Montana a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($31,240) and Helena, MT.
How does Montana's average salary compare to the national average for this occupation?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana is $32,670, which is approximately 9.1% lower than the national average of $35,960.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.21 mean for this job sector in Montana?
A Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 21% more concentrated in Montana than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for these roles within the state.
How does the cost of living in Montana affect the salary for these roles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 106.9, Montana is more expensive than the national average. This means the $32,670 salary may have less purchasing power locally compared to the national average salary in a more affordable region.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana?
There are 54,660 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Montana, representing a significant segment of the state's labor force in this industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 54,660 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 107.175 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 Montana