In the vibrant Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $41,770. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The unique economic landscape and demand within this specific region contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,850.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 104,040 individuals in food preparation and serving roles, and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro demonstrates a healthy and stable presence. While the quotient is just shy of the national average, the sheer volume of workers suggests consistent demand and a robust sector that supports a significant portion of the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+16.2%above the national average.
$20.1
$803
$3,481
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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for culinary services, and evolving wage standards likely contribute to a positive trajectory for earnings in this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher incomes. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as one moves from novice to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,090 | $15.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,328 | $15.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,213 | $25.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,850 | $27.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,770 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the nominal income earned by food preparation and serving professionals in this area provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
104,040
Total Jobs
85.715
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.97x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.97 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where the number of available positions is well-matched with the number of individuals seeking employment in this field, offering a balanced environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,430↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $41,140↓ 2% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,540↓ 13% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,080↓ 14% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,430↓ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $41,770. This typically ranges from $33,090 for entry-level positions to $57,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 16.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, with a salary above the national average and a cost of living in line with the national average.The average salary of $41,770 is higher than the national average, and with a cost of living index of 100, your earnings maintain strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($38,430) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is $41,770, which is $5,790 higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Location Quotient is 0.97, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a well-represented but not overly saturated market.
How many food preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
There are approximately 85.715 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $41,770 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 104,040 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 85.715 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA