SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Charleston, WV

In Charleston, WV, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local labor market. The cost of living in Charleston, however, aligns with the national average, suggesting a different dynamic for purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,290.
  • Outlook: The Charleston, WV market for Food Preparation Workers is characterized by a local workforce of 350 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other professions. The presence of 3.32 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the state capital.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,170

The average Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV earns-16.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.6

Weekly

$542

Monthly

$2,348

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are compensated at higher rates. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary distribution suggests that experienced professionals can command salaries significantly above the entry-level range, with clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,780$10.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,128$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,540$13.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,213$16.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,290$17.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,170 in Charleston, WV, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

3.32

Per 1K Jobs

0.58

Location Quotient

Below Average

Charleston, WV has 0.58x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.58, Charleston, WV, has a lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy. The job market is therefore not overly saturated, potentially offering stable opportunities for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Food Preparation Workers Salary$24,960↓ 11%44 mi
Beckley, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary$25,930↓ 8%46 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary$27,910↓ 1%63 mi

Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Charleston, WV?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV is $28,170. This typically ranges from $21,780 for entry-level positions to $36,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 16.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,170 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is relatively stable.

Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($24,960) and Beckley, WV.

How does the Charleston, WV salary compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV, earn an average of $28,170 annually, which is below the national average of $33,810.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.58, indicating a lower presence of this profession compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the Charleston, WV salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV, is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Charleston, WV?

There are approximately 350 Food Preparation Workers in the Charleston, WV workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 3.32 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV