Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Columbus, IN
Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, Indiana, can expect an average annual salary of $30,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common occurrence in areas with a lower concentration of specialized roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Columbus contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,320.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN, shows a modest presence, with a total workforce of 210 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 4.125 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a consistent need for these roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN earns-9.1%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,563
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive incremental increases in compensation for most roles, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Columbus, IN
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings between different experience levels signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,460 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,063 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,940 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,438 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,320 | $20.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,750 in Columbus, IN, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Columbus is equivalent to the national average, making it neither particularly advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
4.125
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Columbus, IN has 0.72x 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 0.72, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these roles, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific local establishments rather than widespread industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,320↑ 2% | 33 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,830↑ 7% | 41 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,480↓ 4% | 48 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,220↓ 5% | 48 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,890↓ 3% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, IN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Columbus, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN is $30,750. This typically ranges from $21,460 for entry-level positions to $43,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, IN is 9.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Columbus, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,750 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This means the lower salary does not offer significantly more purchasing power locally.
Is Columbus, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IN ($31,320) and Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN.
How does the Columbus, IN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN, is $30,750, which is approximately 9% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbus, IN?
Columbus, IN, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This indicates that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, IN?
The demand is moderate, with 4.125 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.72, suggesting the profession is less concentrated than the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Columbus, IN?
There are approximately 210 Food Preparation Workers employed in Columbus, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Columbus, IN area with a job density of 4.125 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 Columbus, IN