Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
In Waco, TX, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting localized economic factors and potentially a different market demand structure within the region. The specific economic landscape and cost of labor in Waco directly influence this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,600.
- Outlook: Waco, TX supports a substantial workforce of 12,700 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.11, this sector is slightly more concentrated in Waco than the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these roles within the local economy. The presence of nearly 98 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores the significance of this industry in the Waco job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waco, TX earns-17.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$573
$2,482
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 Waco have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waco, TX, typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and greater financial reward 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) | $19,600 | $9.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,335 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,890 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,225 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,600 | $20 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,780 in Waco, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the national norm in Waco.
Job Market Context
12,700
Total Jobs
97.779
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Waco, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.11, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector is slightly more prevalent in Waco, TX, than in the nation as a whole. This indicates a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, presence of these jobs. The market is competitive, with a steady demand that slightly outpaces the national concentration, suggesting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waco, TX is $29,780. This typically ranges from $19,600 for entry-level positions to $41,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 17.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but cost of living is average.While the average salary of $29,780 is below the national average, Waco's Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have average purchasing power.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($27,750) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's food prep salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Waco, TX is $29,780, which is less than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food prep jobs in Waco compared to the nation?
Waco has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs, with a Location Quotient of 1.11, indicating they are more prevalent there than the national average.
How many food prep jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Waco?
There are approximately 97.78 food preparation and serving related jobs per 1,000 workers in Waco, TX.
Does experience impact salary for food prep roles in Waco?
Yes, like most fields, experience significantly impacts salary, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,700 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 97.779 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 Waco, TX