Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Bowling Green, KY
Food Preparation Workers in Bowling Green, KY earn an average annual salary of $26,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Bowling Green.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,440.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Food Preparation Workers, Bowling Green exhibits a concentration (Location Quotient) of 1.32, indicating a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for food preparation services, potentially offering stable employment opportunities within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Bowling Green, KY earns-22.1%below the national average.
$12.7
$506
$2,194
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 Bowling Green have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments. This upward trajectory, however modest, would reflect an evolving labor market.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying these career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,480 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,748 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,080 | $11.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,913 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,440 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,330 in Bowling Green, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary locally is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
7.603
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Bowling Green, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that Bowling Green has a proportionally larger number of Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may have a wider pool of candidates, potentially influencing wage negotiations, but also indicating a strong, established demand for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↑ 3% | 57 mi |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,940↑ 25% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,330↓ 4% | 59 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,710↑ 9% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Bowling Green, KY is $26,330. This typically ranges from $18,480 for entry-level positions to $35,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 22.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,330 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage indicates less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($27,170) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does Bowling Green's concentration of Food Preparation Workers compare nationally?
Bowling Green has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers, with a Location Quotient of 1.32, meaning these jobs are more prevalent there than the national average.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on Food Preparation Worker salaries in Bowling Green?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $26,330 salary in Bowling Green has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average wage.
How many Food Preparation Worker jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Bowling Green?
There are approximately 7.603 Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Bowling Green, KY.
Is there a high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Bowling Green?
The Location Quotient of 1.32 suggests a relatively high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Bowling Green compared to the national average, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 7.603 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 Bowling Green, KY