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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Food Preparation Workers in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,730. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this locale. The compensation is influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in East Central Illinois appears stable, with a total local workforce of 530 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly high demand relative to other professions in the area. The presence of 3.709 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for these roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,730

The average Food Preparation Workers in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-6.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$610

Monthly

$2,644

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area

For Food Preparation Workers in East Central Illinois, career progression typically leads to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals and those in supervisory or specialized roles can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in pay reflect the value placed on accumulated skills, efficiency, and leadership within the food service sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$23,798$11.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$30,290$14.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,663$19.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,130$16.9

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, East Central Illinois is right at the national average. This means the nominal salary of $31,730 for Food Preparation Workers offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses at a comparable level to other areas.

Job Market Context

530

Total Jobs

3.709

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.64x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less prevalent in East Central Illinois compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment. However, it also implies that the demand might be more localized and less robust than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

Comparing salaries near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $31,730. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 6.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $31,730 is below the national average, and the Location Quotient of 0.64 suggests lower concentration and potentially less demand compared to national benchmarks.

Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,210) and Decatur, IL.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in East Central Illinois is $31,730, which is approximately $2,080 less than the national average of $33,810.

What is the Cost of Living in East Central Illinois?

The Cost of Living Index for East Central Illinois is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?

The Location Quotient is 0.64, indicating that Food Preparation Worker jobs are less concentrated in East Central Illinois compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?

There are approximately 530 Food Preparation Workers employed in the 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 530 employees in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.709 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.