SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Billings, MT

Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT, earn an average annual salary of $32,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within Billings. The cost of living in Billings aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable purchasing power to other areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $32,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,220.
  • Outlook: Billings, MT, supports a local workforce of 480 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 5.092 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, presence of these positions within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$32,320

The average Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT earns-4.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.5

Weekly

$622

Monthly

$2,693

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Billings, MT

Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT, typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,710$12.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$24,240$11.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$31,840$15.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$40,400$19.4
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,220$18.9

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$32,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $32,320 for Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT, is directly comparable to the national average when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Billings salary is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary figure a fair representation of the standard of living achievable in the area.

Job Market Context

480

Total Jobs

5.092

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Billings, MT has 0.88x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the market for Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT, is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of workers is slightly lower than the national average, potentially offering a stable employment environment for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Billings, MT?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT is $32,320. This typically ranges from $26,710 for entry-level positions to $39,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Billings, MT is 4.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Billings, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the job market concentration is also slightly lower. However, the cost of living matches the national average, providing stable purchasing power.

Is Billings, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Billings, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Billings salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Billings, MT, is $32,320, which is approximately $1,490 less than the national average of $33,810.

What is the Cost of Living in Billings, MT?

Billings, MT, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Billings, MT?

There are approximately 480 Food Preparation Workers employed in Billings, MT, representing 5.092 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.

Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers growing in Billings, MT?

While specific growth trends are not detailed, the Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests a stable, slightly below-average concentration of these roles, indicating consistent but not rapidly expanding demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Billings, MT area with a job density of 5.092 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Billings, MT