SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area

In the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,660. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these roles. This higher compensation is likely influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local labor market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,940.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas appears robust, with a total local workforce of 13,810 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.21 suggests a concentration of these jobs higher than the national average, implying a sustained demand and a potentially stable job outlook for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,660

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+18.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.5

Weekly

$820

Monthly

$3,555

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the value placed on experience, skill, and leadership within the industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$34,090$16.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,995$15.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,740$18.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$53,325$25.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$55,940$26.9

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,660 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

13,810

Total Jobs

106.892

Per 1K Jobs

1.21

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.21, Western Washington 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 1.21, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation to secure talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $42,660. This typically ranges from $34,090 for entry-level positions to $55,940 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 18.6% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, it offers a higher average salary than the national average.The average annual salary of $42,660 is significantly above the national average of $35,960. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this indicates a favorable earning potential for these roles in the region.

Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($48,040) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does the Western Washington salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan area is $42,660, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?

The Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates that these jobs are 21% more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Western Washington?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $42,660 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

What is the total number of people employed in these roles in Western Washington?

There are 13,810 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Western Washington 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 13,810 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 106.892 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.