Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, earn an average annual salary of $39,100, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is likely driven by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Amherst region, reflecting local market dynamics rather than a nationwide trend.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 570 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 1.4 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 40% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these services within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns+15.6%above the national average.
$18.8
$752
$3,258
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects an increasing demand for food services and a competitive labor market that necessitates higher wages to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning capacity with accumulated experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,760 | $16.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,325 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,270 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,875 | $23.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,260 | $22.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,100 for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
8.045
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.4, Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, exhibits a notable concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is more active and potentially more competitive for these roles than in many other regions, indicating a higher demand relative to the national workforce distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,130↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Worcester, MA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,740↓ 1% | 37 mi |
| Pittsfield, MA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,010↓ 3% | 38 mi |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,360↓ 7% | 43 mi |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,130↑ 5% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $39,100. This typically ranges from $33,760 for entry-level positions to $47,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 15.6% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, earn approximately $5,290 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this translates to a stronger purchasing power for local workers.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($38,130) and Worcester, MA.
How does the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, is $39,100, which is $5,290 higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The location quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, is 1.4, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is 40% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA affect the salary?
The cost of living in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, is at the national average (index of 100). This means the higher nominal salary of $39,100 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
There are approximately 570 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 8.045 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 Amherst Town-Northampton, MA