Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $29,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry mix. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand, cost of labor, and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Indiana.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 870 individuals, the Food Preparation Worker sector in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas demonstrates a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not disproportionately high, demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-11.6%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,491
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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by an increasing cost of living and a steady demand for essential food service roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, such as lead cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities, can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the potential for career advancement within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,590 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,418 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,840 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,363 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,070 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,890 in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national standard, making the financial aspect of living in this region comparable.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
5.394
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,830↑ 10% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↑ 4% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,750↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,320↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,700↓ 1% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $29,890. This typically ranges from $22,590 for entry-level positions to $37,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 11.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $29,890 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($32,830) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana compare nationally?
There are approximately 5.394 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar prevalence of these roles.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Central Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is estimated to be 870 individuals.
Does experience significantly impact Food Preparation Worker salaries in Central Indiana?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. More experienced Food Preparation Workers can expect to earn higher salaries than entry-level staff, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
How does the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan job market for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the job market for Food Preparation Workers in this region is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.394 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 Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators Salary in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area