Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Worcester, MA
In Worcester, MA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $39,800. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these roles. Factors such as the regional economic landscape and the specific demand within Worcester contribute to this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,880.
- Outlook: Worcester boasts a substantial workforce of 27,330 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these jobs is just below the national average, suggesting a stable yet not overly saturated market. The presence of approximately 77.66 jobs per 1,000 workers underscores a consistent demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester, MA earns+10.7%above the national average.
$19.1
$765
$3,317
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically marked by increasing responsibility and, consequently, higher earnings. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear path 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) | $31,410 | $15.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,750 | $23.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,880 | $24.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,800 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations salary in Worcester is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for those relocating.
Job Market Context
27,330
Total Jobs
77.656
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Worcester, MA has 0.88x 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 0.88, Worcester's market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and active, it may not be as dominant a feature of the local economy compared to other regions. This could imply a moderate level of competition for available positions, with opportunities available for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester, MA is $39,800. This typically ranges from $31,410 for entry-level positions to $51,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 10.7% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $39,800 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering stable purchasing power.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($43,050) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does Worcester's salary compare to the national average for this field?
The average annual salary in Worcester for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $39,800, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Worcester, MA?
Worcester, MA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester?
With 77.66 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.88, there is a consistent demand for these roles, though the market is not significantly more concentrated than the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester?
There are 27,330 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Worcester, MA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,330 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 77.656 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 Worcester, MA