Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $35,900. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a modestly favorable compensation landscape for these essential roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this slightly elevated pay scale compared to the broader national trend.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,800.
- Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy region supports a local workforce of 1,880 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.73, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of 4.236 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+6.2%above the national average.
$17.3
$690
$2,992
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for food preparation roles, ensuring that wages adapt to the cost of living and market competitiveness.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity as workers gain experience and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,925 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,310 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,875 | $21.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,800 | $21.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,900 for Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage for those relocating to the area based solely on income versus expenses.
Job Market Context
1,880
Total Jobs
4.236
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.73x 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 0.73 for Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy suggests that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there is a steady presence of these roles, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,010↑ 6% | 31 mi |
| Glens Falls, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,210↓ 2% | 45 mi |
| Kingston, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,690↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,880↓ 0% | 68 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,340↑ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $35,900. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $43,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 6.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Moderately. While the average salary is slightly above the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy earn $35,900 annually, which is higher than the national average. However, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the increased salary does not translate to significantly greater purchasing power.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($38,010) and Glens Falls, NY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
With a local workforce of 1,880 Food Preparation Workers, the market is substantial enough to offer opportunities, but not so large as to be overly saturated, suggesting a balanced job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.73 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.73, indicates that the proportion of Food Preparation Workers in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is lower than the national average, potentially meaning fewer specialized roles but also less intense competition.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Having 4.236 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent demand for Food Preparation Workers in the region, aligning with the moderate concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this role?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression in the food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,880 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 4.236 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 Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY