In the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,690. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional economic factors and the cost of labor in this specific nonmetropolitan setting influence compensation levels. The unique economic landscape of this area likely plays a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 12,980 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.05, the job market in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, if not slightly growing, demand for these services within the region, reflecting a healthy presence of the industry.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-17.4%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,474
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and a desire to retain staff in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start near the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles clearly signifies the financial rewards of gaining experience and advancing within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,100 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,268 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,113 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,400 | $20.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,690 in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
12,980
Total Jobs
92.447
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.05 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area signifies that this industry is slightly more concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where the demand for these roles is robust and well-established within the local economy.
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↑ 4% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,540↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,140↑ 32% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,900↑ 11% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,870↑ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $29,690. This typically ranges from $18,100 for entry-level positions to $43,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 17.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $29,690 is notably lower than the national average of $35,960.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($30,950) and State College, PA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 12,980 suggests a substantial pool of existing jobs, indicating consistent demand and potential for new entrants, though competition may also be present.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.05 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more prevalent in this area than nationally, suggesting a potentially favorable market for those seeking employment in this sector.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the real value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,690 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,980 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 92.447 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area