Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,140. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to the state may influence compensation levels. The substantial workforce of 487,370 in these roles suggests a significant presence within the state's economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,730.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 487,370, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations represent a considerable segment of Pennsylvania's labor market. The location quotient of 0.92 suggests that this sector is nearly as concentrated in Pennsylvania as it is nationally, implying a stable and consistent demand for these roles. This robust presence indicates a healthy job market with ongoing opportunities for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Pennsylvania earns-7.8%below the national average.
$15.9
$637
$2,762
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 Pennsylvania have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation, ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of living and market competitiveness.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Pennsylvania typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,020 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,855 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,030 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,425 | $19.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,730 | $22.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,475
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $33,140 in Pennsylvania for this sector aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is at the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is generally equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
487,370
Total Jobs
81.037
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania's location quotient of 0.92 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates that the industry is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive but not oversaturated market, where the demand for skilled workers is present and aligns closely with national employment patterns for this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,950↓ 7% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,540↓ 2% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,140↑ 18% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,900↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,870↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Pennsylvania is $33,140. This typically ranges from $21,020 for entry-level positions to $46,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 7.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Pennsylvania offers slightly below-average compensation for these roles.The average salary of $33,140 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($30,950) and State College, PA.
How does Pennsylvania's job market compare nationally for food preparation roles?
Pennsylvania's job market for these roles is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a location quotient of 0.92, indicating a similar level of employment relative to the overall workforce.
What is the average number of food preparation jobs per 1,000 workers in Pennsylvania?
There are approximately 81.04 food preparation and serving related jobs for every 1,000 workers in Pennsylvania.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the food preparation salary?
With a cost of living index of 99 (matching the national average), the $33,140 salary in Pennsylvania provides purchasing power that is very close to the national average.
What is the total number of people employed in food preparation in Pennsylvania?
The total workforce engaged in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Pennsylvania is substantial, numbering 487,370 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 487,370 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 81.037 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 Pennsylvania