Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Bellingham, WA
Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $39,480, significantly surpassing the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation in Bellingham is likely influenced by a combination of local economic factors and a concentrated demand for these essential roles within the community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,100.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA, appears robust, indicated by a total workforce of 740 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.42 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs in Bellingham compared to the national average, pointing towards a sustained or growing demand for food preparation services in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA earns+16.8%above the national average.
$19
$759
$3,290
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 Bellingham, WA, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across the service industry. This growth is often driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled labor, and evolving economic conditions within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While exact figures vary, the gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries often widens with experience, reflecting increased responsibilities, specialized skills, and a proven track record within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,610 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,160 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,350 | $23.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,100 | $23.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,480 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA, are earning at a level that aligns with the national average cost of living. This suggests that their nominal earnings provide a purchasing power comparable to that of their counterparts in other parts of the country, offering a stable financial footing within the local economy.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
8.164
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Bellingham, WA, exhibits a notable concentration of Food Preparation Workers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.42. This figure indicates that the proportion of these workers in Bellingham is 42% higher than the national average, suggesting a competitive market where demand may be outstripping supply, or where the industry plays a more significant role in the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,370↑ 5% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,840↑ 9% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,390↑ 2% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA is $39,480. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $48,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 16.8% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Bellingham, WA offers a lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $39,480 significantly exceeds the national average, and the local cost of living is on par with the national index, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($41,370) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Bellingham salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham, WA, earn an average of $39,480 annually, which is approximately $5,670 more than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.42 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.42 signifies that Food Preparation Worker jobs are more concentrated in Bellingham, WA, than the national average, suggesting potentially higher demand and more opportunities relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living in Bellingham affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Bellingham's expenses are average nationally. This means the $39,480 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to local expenses.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Bellingham?
There are approximately 740 Food Preparation Workers employed in Bellingham, WA, contributing to the local service economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 8.164 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 Bellingham, WA