In the Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan settings. The lower average pay is often tied to a combination of local demand, cost of doing business, and the overall economic structure of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,730.
- Outlook: The Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 11,320 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1, the concentration of these jobs aligns precisely with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the region's economy. This steady presence suggests a robust job market that can accommodate new entrants and experienced professionals alike.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area earns-16.3%below the national average.
$14.5
$579
$2,508
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact segment in Western Wisconsin is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer demands typically drive modest increases in compensation for service industry roles, even in nonmetropolitan areas. These incremental gains reflect an ongoing effort to retain and attract talent in a competitive labor landscape.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command substantially higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,050 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,568 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,720 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,613 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,730 | $20.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,090 in Western Wisconsin's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability as in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
11,320
Total Jobs
87.904
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, Western Wisconsin 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, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Wisconsin's nonmetropolitan area is neither over-saturated nor significantly undersupplied compared to the national landscape. This equilibrium suggests a balanced competitive environment where employers can find suitable candidates, and workers have a reasonable number of opportunities available. The market is stable, reflecting consistent demand that matches the national proportion of workers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,200↑ 4% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,610↑ 5% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,540↑ 5% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,740↑ 2% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,360↑ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is $30,090. This typically ranges from $19,050 for entry-level positions to $42,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 16.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,090 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($31,200) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does the total workforce size impact job availability?
A total local workforce of 11,320 in this sector indicates a significant pool of potential employees and a substantial number of available positions, suggesting a stable job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 1 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1 means the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Western Wisconsin is exactly the same as the national average, indicating a balanced market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $30,090 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there opportunities for career growth in this field in Western Wisconsin?
Yes, like most regions, experience and skill development typically lead to higher salaries and more senior roles within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,320 employees in the Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 87.904 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 Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area