Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Food Preparation Workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $32,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation for these roles within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,150.
- Outlook: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area supports a local workforce of 1,420 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other regions. This suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-3.7%below the national average.
$15.7
$626
$2,714
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for Food Preparation Workers have likely seen modest growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for businesses, and a steady demand for food services generally contribute to incremental salary increases in such positions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level tasks to more senior responsibilities, which often correlates with higher pay. While exact percentile salary data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting accumulated skills, efficiency, and potentially supervisory duties.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,460 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,428 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,713 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,150 | $19.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,570 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage in terms of daily expenses.
Job Market Context
1,420
Total Jobs
3.84
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.67x 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 0.67 for Food Preparation Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ indicates that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market is not as specialized or as heavily populated with these roles as in other parts of the country, potentially offering a balanced job market for seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,790↓ 2% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,310↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,410↑ 6% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,360↓ 7% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,750↓ 9% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $32,570. This typically ranges from $23,460 for entry-level positions to $40,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 3.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,570 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($31,790) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Food Preparation Workers?
A local workforce of 1,420 suggests a substantial number of positions exist, but the below-average Location Quotient indicates it's not a primary hub for this profession.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.67 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Allentown?
It signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs in this area is 33% lower than the national average, implying less intense competition but potentially fewer specialized opportunities.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Allentown?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $32,570 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
There are 3.84 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is a moderate figure that reflects the general employment landscape for this role within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,420 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 3.84 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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ