In the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,190. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a premium for these roles within this specific region. The higher compensation is likely influenced by the area's robust economy and demand for service industry professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,200.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 249,180 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria shows a healthy, albeit slightly below national average, concentration. This suggests a stable demand for these roles, with approximately 79.9 jobs per 1,000 workers, reflecting a significant presence within the local labor landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+17.3%above the national average.
$20.3
$811
$3,516
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 the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage standards within the food service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between these levels signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased remuneration as skills and responsibilities grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,800 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,643 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,000 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,738 | $25.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $60,200 | $28.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,190 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not inflate expenses beyond what the increased salary can comfortably cover.
Job Market Context
249,180
Total Jobs
79.899
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and in demand, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $42,190. This typically ranges from $30,800 for entry-level positions to $60,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 17.3% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.The average salary of $42,190 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($37,750) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $42,190, which is notably higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The Cost of Living Index for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this area compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient is 0.9, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area is slightly below the national average.
How many Food Preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers locally?
There are approximately 79.9 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 249,180 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 79.899 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV