Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Dover, DE
In Dover, DE, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $32,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Delaware market. Understanding this differential is key for anyone considering a career in food preparation in this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,560.
- Outlook: Dover, DE supports a local workforce of 450 Food Preparation Workers, with 6.502 jobs per 1,000 workers. The location quotient of 1.13 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled individuals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE earns-4.2%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,698
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover, DE is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics, suggesting a positive outlook for wage progression.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
The career path for Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE, offers clear salary progression. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals and those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential that comes with acquiring specialized skills and years of dedicated service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,040 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,285 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,550 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,475 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,560 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $32,380 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Dover, DE, provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
6.502
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Dover, DE has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Dover, DE, exhibits a location quotient of 1.13 for Food Preparation Workers, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is 13% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust local market with a slightly greater demand relative to the national distribution, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,390↑ 6% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,060↑ 8% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,710↑ 4% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,410↑ 6% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,830↑ 11% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE is $32,380. This typically ranges from $28,040 for entry-level positions to $37,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 4.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,380 is below the national average of $33,810, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($34,390) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover, DE's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE is $32,380, which is approximately $1,430 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE?
Dover, DE has a location quotient of 1.13 for Food Preparation Workers, meaning the job concentration is 13% higher than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Dover, DE affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dover, DE is at the national average. This means the $32,380 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being slightly lower.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Dover, DE?
There are approximately 450 Food Preparation Workers employed in Dover, DE.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 6.502 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 Dover, DE