In the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $33,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a difference often attributable to regional economic factors and the specific labor demands within this nonmetropolitan setting. The local market dynamics, including the cost of labor and the prevalence of certain types of food service establishments, contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,860.
- Outlook: The West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 15,880 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, this sector is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps growing demand for these roles within the region. The presence of nearly 94 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent need for skilled food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-5.6%below the national average.
$16.3
$653
$2,829
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Central Illinois have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving consumer spending habits likely contributed to modest annual increases, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain workforce competitiveness.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within this sector highlight opportunities for advancement, with senior professionals earning considerably more than their less experienced counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,463 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,950 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,438 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,860 | $20.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,950 in West Central Illinois aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a salary in this region is comparable to the national standard. While the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a similar lifestyle standard to many other areas.
Job Market Context
15,880
Total Jobs
93.536
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area 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 1.06, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in West Central Illinois is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these roles is robust and potentially exceeds the national average relative to the overall workforce. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it points to a healthy and active job landscape for food service professionals in this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,730↓ 1% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,510↓ 1% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,400↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,960↑ 0% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,280↑ 1% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $33,950. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $41,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 5.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,950 is slightly below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates comparable purchasing power but not a higher earning potential.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,730) and Decatur, IL.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Central Illinois is $33,950, which is slightly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in West Central Illinois compared to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations job market in this region?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.06, suggesting a healthy presence of these roles relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of workers in this field in West Central Illinois?
There are 15,880 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,880 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 93.536 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area