Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
In Salem, OR, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $38,430. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized market dynamic that offers a modest premium for these roles. Factors such as regional demand and the cost of doing business likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,650.
- Outlook: Salem, OR boasts a substantial local workforce of 15,320 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services within the city's economy. The presence of over 82 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the robustness of this sector locally.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Salem, OR earns+6.9%above the national average.
$18.5
$739
$3,203
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 Salem, OR have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Salem, OR
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command substantially higher earnings, with top earners potentially exceeding the average by a considerable margin, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,390 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,823 | $13.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,120 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,038 | $23.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,650 | $24.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,430 in Salem, OR 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 is effectively equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
15,320
Total Jobs
82.241
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Salem, OR has 0.93x 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 0.93, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Salem, OR is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the availability of jobs is neither exceptionally scarce nor overly abundant compared to the rest of the United States, suggesting a competitive yet accessible landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Salem, OR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Salem, OR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Salem, OR is $38,430. This typically ranges from $30,390 for entry-level positions to $50,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 6.9% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.While the average salary of $38,430 is a bit higher than the national average, the cost of living being precisely at the national average means your earnings will have standard purchasing power.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($36,540) and Corvallis, OR.
How does Salem's Food Prep salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Salem, OR is $38,430, which is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR for food service workers?
The cost of living in Salem, OR is exactly at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means your salary of $38,430 will have the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Salem, OR?
The concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Salem, OR is nearly at the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.93.
What is the total workforce size for food preparation roles in Salem, OR?
There are approximately 15,320 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Salem, OR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,320 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 82.241 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 Salem, OR