In the West Montana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for highly specialized roles contribute to this pay differential. The unique economic landscape of this area shapes compensation for these essential service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,580.
- Outlook: The West Montana nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 9,320 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a location quotient of 1.27, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence. This concentration suggests a stable, if not growing, demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-11.3%below the national average.
$15.3
$613
$2,657
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations across nonmetropolitan areas have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a persistent need for service workers, even in less urbanized settings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in West Montana, salary progression is evident with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall into the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The increasing salary gaps between these levels signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,610 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,910 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,320 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,850 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,580 | $21.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,880 in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making the financial aspect of living in this area comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
9,320
Total Jobs
111.968
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, West Montana nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.27 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 27% more concentrated in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong and perhaps competitive market for these roles, with more job opportunities available per capita compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,240↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,010↑ 0% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,320↑ 14% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Montana 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $31,880. This typically ranges from $21,610 for entry-level positions to $45,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 11.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,880 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($31,240) and Helena, MT.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 111.968 jobs per 1,000 workers, this occupation is significantly represented in West Montana, exceeding the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.27?
An LQ of 1.27 indicates that this occupation is more concentrated in West Montana than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or availability of these jobs.
Does the cost of living impact the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $31,880 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
What does the total local workforce number tell us?
A total local workforce of 9,320 in this sector indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in food preparation and serving roles within the West Montana 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 9,320 employees in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 111.968 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area