Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
In Cape Girardeau, MO-IL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. The cost of living in Cape Girardeau aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may remain relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 individuals in food preparation roles, Cape Girardeau presents a modest but stable job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic. The rate of 5.377 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL earns-10.1%below the national average.
$14.6
$584
$2,533
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cape Girardeau's food preparation sector is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this field have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical for roles that are essential to local economies and often tied to minimum wage adjustments and regional economic performance.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior or specialized positions, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical gap between entry-level and senior roles in this profession can range from 15-30%, signifying significant career advancement potential through acquired skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,420 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,793 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,988 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,610 | $17.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,390 in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL, is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by a Food Preparation Worker in this area has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Cape Girardeau for this role does not present an immediate advantage or disadvantage in terms of overall affordability based on salary alone.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
5.377
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL has 0.93x 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 0.93 for Food Preparation Workers in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL, suggests that the concentration of these jobs in the area is nearly on par with the national average. This indicates a healthy and competitive job market where opportunities exist but are not overwhelmingly abundant compared to other regions. Professionals can expect a stable employment landscape without extreme competition or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Paducah, KY-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,990↓ 14% | 53 mi |
| St. Louis, MO-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,350↑ 13% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is $30,390. This typically ranges from $26,420 for entry-level positions to $35,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 10.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,390 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a neutral financial standing.
Is Cape Girardeau, MO-IL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cape Girardeau, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Paducah, KY-IL ($25,990) and St. Louis, MO-IL.
How does the Cape Girardeau salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Cape Girardeau, MO-IL is $30,390, which is approximately $3,420 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.93?
An LQ of 0.93 means that the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Cape Girardeau is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a balanced but not exceptionally high demand for these roles relative to the workforce.
Does the Cost of Living in Cape Girardeau affect the salary's value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Cape Girardeau's expenses are exactly at the national average. This means the $30,390 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Cape Girardeau?
There are approximately 240 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area, representing a small but stable segment of the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL area with a job density of 5.377 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 Cape Girardeau, MO-IL