SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary in New Jersey

Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $37,440, surpassing the national average of $35,960. This higher compensation is often driven by New Jersey's robust economy and a higher cost of living, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled workers in these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,490.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 4,230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in New Jersey compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,440

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey earns+4.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18

Weekly

$720

Monthly

$3,120

Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary Distribution in New Jersey

Career progression for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, the gap between the lowest and highest earners, often represented by percentile differences, signifies substantial opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on experience and skill acquisition.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,470$15.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,080$13.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,110$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,800$22.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,490$22.4

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,310

Adjusted for COL (112.4)

The nominal average salary of $37,440 in New Jersey needs to be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index of 112.4. While the salary is above the national average, the higher cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or slightly less than, what a similar salary would afford in a lower-cost-of-living area. Careful budgeting is essential for those earning this average.

Job Market Context

4,230

Total Jobs

0.994

Per 1K Jobs

1.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

New Jersey has 1.7x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.71, New Jersey exhibits a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in this sector is more developed and potentially more competitive within the state, offering more opportunities but also requiring professionals to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other make in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey is $37,440. This typically ranges from $31,470 for entry-level positions to $46,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 4.1% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?

Yes, New Jersey offers a more lucrative environment for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $37,440 in New Jersey is higher than the national average, and the significant concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.71) indicates strong demand within the state.

Is New Jersey a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?

The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?

Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($43,020) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.

How does the New Jersey salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey is $37,440, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.71 mean for this job title in New Jersey?

A Location Quotient of 1.71 signifies that there is a 71% higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Jersey compared to the national average, indicating a stronger presence and demand for these roles in the state.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in New Jersey?

New Jersey's Cost of Living Index is 112.4, meaning it is 12.4% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living contributes to the elevated average salary for these positions.

What is the total number of these workers in New Jersey?

There are approximately 4,230 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other employed within New Jersey.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,230 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.994 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.