Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Akron, OH
Food Preparation Workers in Akron, OH, earn an average annual salary of $33,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Akron's culinary and service industries. The cost of living in Akron aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that this salary offers a comparable standard of living to other areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 980 Food Preparation Workers, Akron presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.53 suggests that while the role is present, it's less concentrated than the national average, implying a moderate demand that is met by the existing workforce. The presence of 3.056 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not booming, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Akron, OH earns-1.4%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,777
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Akron isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for essential roles like food preparation, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and industry standards.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Akron, OH
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Akron typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile salary data isn't available, it's expected that experienced workers could earn significantly more than the average, with senior roles potentially reaching the 75th percentile or higher, reflecting accumulated skills, leadership responsibilities, and specialized knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,830 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,990 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,840 | $16.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,650 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,560 | $19.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,320 in Akron, OH, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary translates directly to purchasing power comparable to the national standard, making Akron an economically stable choice for Food Preparation Workers without significant financial advantages or disadvantages compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
980
Total Jobs
3.056
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Akron, OH has 0.53x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.53 for Food Preparation Workers in Akron indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated, and employers may need to actively recruit to fill positions. It implies a balanced supply and demand, where workers have a reasonable number of options without facing intense competition for roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Canton-Massillon, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,430↓ 6% | 20 mi |
| Cleveland, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,200↓ 0% | 29 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,660↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Mansfield, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,280↓ 6% | 57 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,870↓ 4% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Akron, OH
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Akron, OH?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Akron, OH is $33,320. This typically ranges from $25,830 for entry-level positions to $40,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Akron, OH is 1.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Akron, OH a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,320 is slightly below the national average, though the cost of living is on par, offering comparable purchasing power.
Is Akron, OH a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Akron, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Akron, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Canton-Massillon, OH ($31,430) and Cleveland, OH.
How does Akron's cost of living compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Akron's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $33,320 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national benchmark.
What is the job market like for Food Preparation Workers in Akron?
The job market is stable with a local workforce of 980. The Location Quotient of 0.53 suggests moderate demand and a balanced supply of workers, indicating steady employment opportunities.
Can Food Preparation Workers expect salary increases with experience in Akron?
Yes, as with most professions, experience typically leads to higher salaries. Senior roles and specialized skills will command higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting career progression.
How does Akron's average salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Akron is $33,320, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Akron, OH area with a job density of 3.056 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Akron, OH