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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in St. Cloud, MN

In St. Cloud, MN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $32,530. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in many regional markets where local economic factors and demand influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within St. Cloud play a significant role in shaping these earnings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,840.
  • Outlook: The St. Cloud job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is substantial, with a local workforce of 8,120 individuals. The location quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. With 78.42 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears consistent, offering a solid employment base for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,530

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in St. Cloud, MN earns-9.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.6

Weekly

$626

Monthly

$2,711

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in St. Cloud, MN

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in St. Cloud, as elsewhere, typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might hover around the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs, kitchen managers, or specialized roles can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are clear indicators of the career ladder and the financial rewards of gaining expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,710$10.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,398$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,420$14.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,663$19.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,840$21.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,530

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $32,530 in St. Cloud, MN, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average for this occupation, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

8,120

Total Jobs

78.42

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Cloud, MN has 0.89x 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 0.89, St. Cloud's market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and employs a significant number of people, it may not be the dominant sector. This can translate to a moderately competitive job market, offering opportunities without the intense competition found in highly concentrated areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in St. Cloud, MN?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in St. Cloud, MN is $32,530. This typically ranges from $22,710 for entry-level positions to $43,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Cloud, MN is 9.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is St. Cloud, MN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,530 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is St. Cloud, MN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Cloud, MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Cloud, MN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area ($32,340) and Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.

How does St. Cloud's food preparation job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?

St. Cloud's location quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests the industry is present but not as dominant as it is nationwide.

What is the average number of food preparation jobs per thousand workers in St. Cloud?

In St. Cloud, there are approximately 78.42 jobs per 1,000 workers within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, reflecting the local employment landscape for this sector.

Does the cost of living in St. Cloud affect the perceived value of the salary?

Yes, the cost of living index in St. Cloud is 100, which is the national average. This means the $32,530 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary for the occupation.

What does a location quotient of 0.89 signify for job seekers?

A location quotient of 0.89 suggests that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less prevalent in St. Cloud compared to the national average. This could imply a stable job market with moderate competition.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,120 employees in the St. Cloud, MN area with a job density of 78.42 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.