Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
In Walla Walla, WA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $40,710. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specific economic drivers and demand within Walla Walla contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,310 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Walla Walla demonstrates a stable employment base for these roles. The Location Quotient of 1.02 suggests that this sector is slightly more concentrated in Walla Walla than the national average, implying consistent demand and job availability within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Walla Walla, WA earns+13.2%above the national average.
$19.6
$783
$3,393
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 Walla Walla have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Walla Walla, WA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Walla Walla typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,533 | $14.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,170 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,888 | $24.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,080 | $24.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,710 in Walla Walla aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations salary in Walla Walla is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
2,310
Total Jobs
90.062
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Walla Walla, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.02 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are marginally more prevalent in Walla Walla compared to the national landscape. This slight overrepresentation suggests a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, job market for these professionals, implying a balanced level of competition and opportunity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $42,700↑ 5% | 41 mi |
| Lewiston, ID-WA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,280↓ 16% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Walla Walla, WA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Walla Walla, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Walla Walla, WA is $40,710. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $51,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Walla Walla, WA is 13.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Walla Walla, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, with a salary slightly above the national average and a cost of living that matches.The average salary of $40,710 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it a financially stable location for these roles.
Is Walla Walla, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Walla Walla, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Walla Walla, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kennewick-Richland, WA ($42,700) and Lewiston, ID-WA.
How does the Walla Walla salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Walla Walla, WA is $40,710, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Walla Walla?
Walla Walla has a Location Quotient of 1.02 for these occupations, meaning they are slightly more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Walla Walla affect the salary?
Walla Walla's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $40,710 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Walla Walla?
There are approximately 2,310 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Walla Walla, WA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,310 employees in the Walla Walla, WA area with a job density of 90.062 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Walla Walla, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Production Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Walla Walla, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Walla Walla, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Walla Walla, WA