In the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $36,480. This figure is slightly above the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a role in compensation within this sector. The cost of living in the region also aligns with the national average, making this salary competitive.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,470.
- Outlook: The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area supports a substantial workforce of 233,060 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established job market. The presence of 81.243 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+1.4%above the national average.
$17.5
$702
$3,040
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 the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage standards within the food service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles can achieve substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning power as professionals gain skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,050 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,070 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,600 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,470 | $23.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,480 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is effectively aligned with the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for individuals in this profession within the region.
Job Market Context
233,060
Total Jobs
81.243
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD indicates that the job market is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy level of competition and availability of roles, without being overly saturated or scarce, providing a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $36,480. This typically ranges from $23,050 for entry-level positions to $49,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 1.4% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $36,480 is slightly above the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, the purchasing power is strong.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($40,630) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $36,480, which is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The cost of living index for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
The concentration of these jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.92, indicating a presence very close to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
There are 233,060 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 233,060 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 81.243 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- All Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Management Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
- Browse All Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD