Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Columbus, OH
Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH earn an average annual salary of $34,620, slightly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This modest premium is influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Columbus metropolitan area, reflecting local market dynamics rather than a widespread regional trend.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,500.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH, is characterized by a stable presence, with approximately 3,000 individuals employed in this sector. The location quotient of 0.48 suggests that while the occupation is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH earns+2.4%above the national average.
$16.6
$666
$2,885
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This suggests a potentially increasing earning potential for dedicated professionals in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Columbus, OH
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, often accompanied by a salary increase. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range can expand significantly, with experienced workers potentially earning 20-30% more than those just starting out, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,500 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,965 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,930 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,275 | $20.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,500 | $20.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $34,620 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the purchasing power for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH, is aligned with the national standard. This means that the nominal salary offers a comparable lifestyle to what the average American worker experiences, without significant advantages or disadvantages due to local living expenses.
Job Market Context
3,000
Total Jobs
2.767
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, Columbus, OH has a notably lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The location quotient of 0.48 for Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are job opportunities, the market is not saturated, and employers may need to actively recruit to fill positions, potentially leading to competitive compensation for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,420↓ 15% | 32 mi |
| West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,660↓ 14% | 32 mi |
| Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,050↓ 13% | 32 mi |
| Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,750↓ 17% | 32 mi |
| Springfield, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,120↓ 10% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbus, OH
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Columbus, OH?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Columbus, OH is $34,620. This typically ranges from $27,500 for entry-level positions to $42,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbus, OH is 2.4% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Columbus, OH a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but competitive.While the average salary slightly exceeds the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage. The lower location quotient suggests moderate demand.
Is Columbus, OH a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbus, OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) ($29,420) and West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Columbus, OH?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Columbus, OH is $34,620.
How does the Columbus, OH salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Columbus, OH ($34,620) is slightly higher than the national average ($33,810).
What does the Location Quotient of 0.48 mean for this role in Columbus?
A location quotient of 0.48 means that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Columbus, OH, compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive job market.
Is the cost of living in Columbus, OH high for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Columbus, OH is at the national average (100), meaning the $34,620 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,000 employees in the Columbus, OH area with a job density of 2.767 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, OH