Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Roanoke, VA
In Roanoke, VA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $34,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics shape compensation structures. The specific economic landscape of Roanoke influences these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,420.
- Outlook: Roanoke's food preparation sector demonstrates a stable presence, with a local workforce of 12,340 individuals in these roles. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that this sector is nearly at the national average concentration, suggesting a consistent demand for these services within the region. With 81.103 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers a solid, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, employment base.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Roanoke, VA earns-5.1%below the national average.
$16.4
$656
$2,843
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for these roles, reflecting a dynamic and adaptive industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear pathways 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) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,590 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,190 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,650 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,420 | $22.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,120 in Roanoke aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Roanoke is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced nationwide.
Job Market Context
12,340
Total Jobs
81.103
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Roanoke is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs relative to the workforce is neither exceptionally high nor low, indicating a competitive but stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Roanoke, VA is $34,120. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $47,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 5.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,120 is slightly below the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($33,550) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's food preparation job market compare to the national average?
Roanoke's job market for these occupations is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.92, indicating a comparable concentration of these jobs relative to the workforce.
What is the average salary for food preparation roles in Roanoke, VA?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Roanoke, VA is $34,120.
Does the cost of living in Roanoke affect salary expectations?
No, the cost of living in Roanoke is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $34,120 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average.
How many food preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Roanoke?
There are approximately 81.103 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Roanoke, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,340 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 81.103 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 Roanoke, VA