Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wausau, WI
In Wausau, WI, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,200. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and demand influence compensation within this sector. The specific pay rates in Wausau are shaped by a combination of regional economic conditions and the concentration of these roles within the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,910.
- Outlook: Wausau, WI supports a substantial workforce of 5,220 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the presence of these roles is slightly below the national average concentration, indicating a stable but not overly saturated market. The rate of 74.615 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wausau, WI earns-13.2%below the national average.
$15
$600
$2,600
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest annual salary increases across most industries, including food service.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data for Wausau is unavailable, the general trend across the nation shows that experienced professionals can command higher wages. The gap between starting salaries and those earned by seasoned individuals highlights opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,080 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,400 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,000 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,910 | $21.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,200 in Wausau, WI, 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. Consumers in Wausau can expect everyday expenses for housing, utilities, and goods to be on par with the typical American city.
Job Market Context
5,220
Total Jobs
74.615
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 0.85x 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 0.85, Wausau, WI, has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that while these jobs are present and necessary, the market is not as densely populated with these roles as in other regions. This could imply a moderate level of competition for available positions, with opportunities existing for dedicated professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wausau, WI is $31,200. This typically ranges from $20,080 for entry-level positions to $43,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 13.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Wausau, WI is not a particularly lucrative place for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,200 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal pay indicates less earning potential.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($30,860) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's food preparation job market compare to the national average?
Wausau has a slightly lower concentration of these jobs than the national average, with 74.615 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a stable but less dense market.
What is the cost of living impact on a $31,200 salary in Wausau?
The cost of living in Wausau is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your $31,200 salary will have purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of food preparation jobs in Wausau?
There are approximately 5,220 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Wausau, WI.
Does experience significantly increase pay for food preparation roles in Wausau?
While specific data for Wausau is limited, typically, experience leads to higher salaries in this field, with senior roles offering greater earning potential 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 5,220 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 74.615 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 Wausau, WI