Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana, IL, earn an average annual salary of $34,020. This figure is slightly above the national average of $33,810, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, compensation landscape for this role within the region. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the food service industry likely contribute to this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,770.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 490 Food Preparation Workers, Champaign-Urbana presents a moderately sized employment sector for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand. The presence of 4.671 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+0.6%above the national average.
$16.4
$654
$2,835
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 Champaign-Urbana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of ingredients, operational expenses, and a sustained demand for food services likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic environment.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
The salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings between junior and senior roles highlight opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the food preparation field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,515 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,525 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,770 | $21 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,020 for Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain or advantage compared to other regions at the national average.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
4.671
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Champaign-Urbana, IL has 0.81x 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 0.81 for Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable presence of these jobs, the market is not oversaturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled individuals. The job market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, offering a balanced environment for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,620↓ 4% | 39 mi |
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,870↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,730↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,470↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,770↓ 7% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $34,020. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 0.6% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, but it offers stable earnings.While the average salary of $34,020 is slightly above the national average, it is matched by a national average cost of living. This indicates stable, but not exceptionally lucrative, earning potential for Food Preparation Workers in the region.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($32,620) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $34,020, which is slightly higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of Food Preparation Workers is slightly below the national average, suggesting steady but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
There are approximately 490 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 4.671 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 Champaign-Urbana, IL
- All Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Management Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Production Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
- Browse All Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL