Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Abilene, TX
Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX, earn an average annual salary of $27,260. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Abilene market. The cost of living in Abilene aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may remain relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,990.
- Outlook: The Abilene, TX market for Food Preparation Workers appears robust, with a total local workforce of 770 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.79 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand or a specialized industry presence that favors food preparation roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX earns-19.4%below the national average.
$13.1
$524
$2,272
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Food Preparation Workers over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to gradual wage growth within this sector in Abilene.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Abilene, TX
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers typically escalates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,350 | $9.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,445 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,560 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,075 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,990 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $27,260 in Abilene, TX, when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), suggests that the local purchasing power for these earnings is comparable to the national standard. This means that despite earning less than the national average wage, the cost of essential goods and services in Abilene is not disproportionately higher, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
10.327
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
Abilene, TX has 1.8x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 1.79, Abilene, TX, exhibits a notably higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Abilene is more specialized or has a greater demand for these roles relative to its overall workforce size, potentially offering more opportunities or a more competitive environment for job seekers in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Angelo, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,680↓ 2% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Abilene, TX
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Abilene, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX is $27,260. This typically ranges from $19,350 for entry-level positions to $36,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Abilene, TX is 19.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Abilene, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, Abilene, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers based on average salary.The average annual salary of $27,260 is significantly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact of lower wages.
Is Abilene, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Abilene, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Abilene, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Angelo, TX ($26,680) and others.
How does Abilene's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX, earn an average of $27,260 annually, which is approximately $6,550 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job concentration for Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX?
Abilene, TX has a job concentration for Food Preparation Workers that is 79% higher than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.79.
How does the cost of living in Abilene, TX affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Abilene, TX is 100, which is the same as the national average. This means that the lower nominal salary of $27,260 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Abilene, TX?
There are approximately 770 Food Preparation Workers employed in Abilene, TX.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Abilene, TX area with a job density of 10.327 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Abilene, TX
- All Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Management Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Abilene, TX
- Browse All Jobs in Abilene, TX →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Abilene, TX