In the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $32,090. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this sector contribute to the prevailing wage structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,840.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Nebraska appears stable, with a local workforce of 3,850 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.12 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady, if not growing, demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-10.8%below the national average.
$15.4
$617
$2,674
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 Northwest Nebraska have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify clear opportunities for advancement and skill-based compensation increases.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,068 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,260 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,113 | $19.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,840 | $21.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,090 in Northwest Nebraska aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not impose a significant disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
3,850
Total Jobs
98.734
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area 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 1.12, Northwest Nebraska exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national benchmark. This indicates that these roles are a notable component of the local economy, suggesting a competitive yet accessible job market for individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,750↑ 5% | 15 mi |
| Lincoln, NE Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,230↑ 7% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $32,090. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $43,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 10.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it offers comparable purchasing power.The average salary is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real value of the salary comparable.
Is Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($33,750) and Lincoln, NE.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 3,850 suggests a substantial pool of individuals already engaged in these roles, indicating a mature market. However, the Location Quotient implies continued demand relative to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.12 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 signifies that this region has a higher proportion of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs than the national average, suggesting a slightly stronger local demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $32,090 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would nationally.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this region?
Yes, like most regions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level positions will likely pay less than supervisory or specialized roles, with salary increases reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,850 employees in the Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 98.734 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 Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area