Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Owensboro, KY
In Owensboro, KY, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Owensboro.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,470.
- Outlook: Owensboro supports a substantial workforce of 4,730 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. The location quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Owensboro, KY earns-21.5%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,353
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Owensboro is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and a desire to attract and retain qualified staff in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Owensboro, experience is a key determinant of earning potential. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting substantial career progression and increased responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,820 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,173 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,010 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,288 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,470 | $18 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,230 in Owensboro 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 this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
4,730
Total Jobs
97.484
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Owensboro, KY 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 1.1, Owensboro exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is moderately competitive, with a healthy presence of employers seeking qualified candidates, though perhaps not oversaturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,700↑ 5% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,700↑ 2% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↑ 0% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 11% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,240↑ 4% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Owensboro, KY is $28,230. This typically ranges from $17,820 for entry-level positions to $37,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 21.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it is on par with national living standards.While the average salary of $28,230 is below the national average, the cost of living in Owensboro is also at the national average. This means your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($29,700) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 4,730 in this sector indicates a significant pool of talent and a substantial number of roles, suggesting consistent opportunities for employment within Owensboro.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.1 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 1.1 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more prevalent in Owensboro than the national average, potentially indicating a slightly stronger demand or a more specialized local industry.
How does experience affect salary in Owensboro's food service industry?
Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, but with accumulated experience and skill development, individuals can advance to higher-paying roles, with significant salary increases possible for senior or supervisory positions.
Is the cost of living in Owensboro a major factor for food service workers?
The cost of living being at the national average means that the $28,230 salary provides a standard level of purchasing power, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,730 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 97.484 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 Owensboro, KY