Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
In the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $40,630. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these roles locally. The specific economic drivers and demand within the Trenton-Princeton region contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,940.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,940 individuals engaged in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the sector demonstrates a significant presence. The location quotient of 0.66 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (58.265) points to consistent demand and a stable job market within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Trenton-Princeton, NJ earns+13.0%above the national average.
$19.5
$781
$3,386
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Trenton-Princeton is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments across the nation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The observable gaps between salary percentiles underscore the opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as one moves up the career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,473 | $14.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,600 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,788 | $24.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $57,940 | $27.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,630 in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, 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 equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
13,940
Total Jobs
58.265
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Trenton-Princeton, NJ has 0.66x 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.
A location quotient of 0.66 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are present in Trenton-Princeton, NJ, but at a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
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Comparing salaries near Trenton-Princeton, NJ
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $40,630. This typically ranges from $31,470 for entry-level positions to $57,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 13.0% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Professionals in this field earn $40,630 annually, exceeding the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes Trenton-Princeton a financially sound location for these roles.
Is Trenton-Princeton, NJ a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD ($36,480) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is $40,630, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The Cost of Living Index in Trenton-Princeton, NJ is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
There are 13,940 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area.
Is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs high in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The location quotient of 0.66 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, but the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (58.265) indicates a steady presence in the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,940 employees in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ area with a job density of 58.265 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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ