Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Decatur, IL
The average salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, IL is $32,620. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,840.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Preparation Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. With a high job density of 3.415 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, IL earns-3.5%below the national average.
$15.7
$627
$2,718
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Food Preparation Workers salaries in Decatur, IL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 21.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Decatur, IL
The earning potential for Food Preparation Workerss in Decatur, IL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,120, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,840.
| 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) | $24,465 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,250 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,775 | $19.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,840 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Decatur, IL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $32,620 to $32,620.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
3.415
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Decatur, IL has 0.59x 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.
150 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, IL.
Moderate density — roughly 3.415 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,870↓ 2% | 34 mi |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,730↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,470↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,770↓ 3% | 34 mi |
| Springfield, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,320↑ 2% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, IL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Decatur, IL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, IL is $32,620. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $36,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, IL is 3.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Decatur, IL a good place for Food Preparation Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Decatur, IL is $32,620 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Decatur, IL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Decatur, IL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($31,870) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Decatur, IL area with a job density of 3.415 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 Decatur, IL
- All Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Production Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Management Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Decatur, IL
- Browse All Jobs in Decatur, IL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Decatur, IL