Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
In the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $22,990. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Factors such as local industry concentration and the overall cost of doing business often influence these localized pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky appears robust, with a total local workforce of 930 individuals. The location quotient of 1.75 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-32.0%below the national average.
$11.1
$442
$1,916
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in East Kentucky is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most sectors, including food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized culinary expertise can command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,790 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,243 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,780 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,738 | $13.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,830 | $14.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,990 in East Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
10.064
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.75, East Kentucky exhibits a job market that is 75% more concentrated with Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these professionals within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities compared to less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,650↑ 20% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,330↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 24% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,020↑ 39% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $22,990. This typically ranges from $17,790 for entry-level positions to $29,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 32.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is East Kentucky 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 $22,990 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,650) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the East Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky is $22,990, which is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810.
What does the location quotient of 1.75 mean for Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky?
A location quotient of 1.75 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 75% more concentrated in East Kentucky than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for these roles in the region.
How does the cost of living in East Kentucky affect the salary?
The cost of living in East Kentucky is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $22,990 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in East Kentucky?
There are approximately 930 Food Preparation Workers employed in the East Kentucky 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 930 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.064 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 East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area