In the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,630. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,530.
- Outlook: The Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 17,260 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region. The presence of over 81 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the robustness of this sector locally.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-17.6%below the national average.
$14.3
$570
$2,469
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 Northern Indiana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, reflects an ongoing effort to keep compensation competitive within the local market and to attract and retain talent in this vital industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain experience and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,260 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,223 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,038 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,530 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,630 in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to this area for a food preparation role offers a cost of living that balances the lower average wage.
Job Market Context
17,260
Total Jobs
81.509
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.92x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.92 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce in terms of available positions relative to the overall workforce. It implies a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly competitive.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,660↑ 10% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 4% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,310↓ 1% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,860↑ 4% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,150↑ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $29,630. This typically ranges from $18,260 for entry-level positions to $38,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 17.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,630 is notably lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($32,660) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the total workforce size impact job availability?
A total local workforce of 17,260 in this sector indicates a significant presence, suggesting a steady demand for food preparation and serving roles within the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.92 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.92 means the concentration of food preparation jobs is slightly less than the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job market for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,630 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field locally?
Yes, with 81.509 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area shows a strong representation of food preparation and serving roles within its labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 17,260 employees in the Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 81.509 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 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area