Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
In Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,570. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local economic factors is crucial for anyone in or considering this profession in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,940.
- Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area supports a local workforce of 310 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately less robust job market compared to the rest of the country. While not a high-demand area by concentration, the presence of 4.112 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent, albeit not booming, employment landscape for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-12.5%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,464
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for food services typically drive modest upward adjustments in compensation for these essential roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to 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 opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains more experience and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,178 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,940 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,963 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,940 | $16.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, stands at $29,570. This salary aligns precisely with the local Cost of Living Index, which is set at 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary within Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford is equivalent to the national average, meaning that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate this difference.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
4.112
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 0.71x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.71 for Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is 29% lower than the national average. This suggests that the job market for food preparation roles is less saturated locally compared to the rest of the United States, which could imply a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers or fewer overall opportunities relative to the general workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,490↑ 3% | 26 mi |
| Beckley, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,930↓ 12% | 57 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↑ 2% | 69 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,210↓ 1% | 79 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 4% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $29,570. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $34,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 12.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $29,570 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($30,490) and Beckley, WV.
How does the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $29,570, which is approximately $4,240 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.71, is below the national average, suggesting fewer jobs relative to the total workforce compared to the U.S. as a whole.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
There are approximately 310 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 4.112 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- All Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Production Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Management Occupations Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
- Browse All Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA