SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Visalia, CA

In Visalia, CA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $38,820. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. Factors such as the regional economic landscape and the specific needs of the Visalia market contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,760.
  • Outlook: Visalia boasts a substantial workforce of 13,250 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable yet not overly saturated job market. The presence of approximately 77.9 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,820

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Visalia, CA earns+8.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$747

Monthly

$3,235

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Visalia, CA

Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Visalia, CA, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,115$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,040$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,525$23.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,760$22

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,820

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,820 in Visalia aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in Visalia is comparable to that of a worker in a typical U.S. city, making it a financially neutral location from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

13,250

Total Jobs

77.907

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Visalia, CA has 0.88x 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 0.88, Visalia's market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and numerous (77.9 per 1,000 workers), the field is not disproportionately dominant compared to other industries, indicating a balanced competitive landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Visalia, CA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Visalia, CA is $38,820. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $45,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Visalia, CA is 8.0% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Visalia, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $38,820 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering comparable purchasing power.

Is Visalia, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Visalia, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Visalia, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($40,150) and North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area.

How does Visalia's food prep salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary in Visalia is $38,820, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What is the cost of living in Visalia, CA, for food service workers?

Visalia's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

Is there high demand for food preparation jobs in Visalia?

With 77.9 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 13,250 in this sector, there is a consistent and notable demand for food preparation and serving roles.

How does the concentration of food prep jobs in Visalia compare nationally?

Visalia's Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,250 employees in the Visalia, CA area with a job density of 77.907 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.