Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,760. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different demand structure for these roles. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan area play a significant role in shaping compensation levels for these essential workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,350.
- Outlook: The Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 1,170 Food Preparation Workers, indicating a consistent presence of these roles. With a Location Quotient of 1.76, the concentration of these jobs is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand and a specialized market for food preparation services in this region. This elevated quotient points to a potentially stable job market for individuals in this profession within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earns-17.9%below the national average.
$13.4
$534
$2,313
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the United States have experienced modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to the Eastern Region of Texas, where incremental increases in wages may have occurred, though potentially at a different pace compared to more urbanized or high-growth economic zones.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation Worker profession, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles, reflecting increased value and responsibility within the workforce.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,980 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,820 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,700 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,350 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,760 for Food Preparation Workers in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area 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 salary is equivalent to the national average, as the cost of goods and services is also at the national benchmark. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
10.12
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Eastern Region of Texas 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.76 for Food Preparation Workers in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area indicates a market that is 76% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these workers within the region compared to other occupations, or that the region specializes more heavily in industries that employ a larger proportion of food preparation staff. This concentration implies a competitive environment where employers may rely on local talent pools.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Killeen-Temple, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,820↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| Waco, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,070↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,280↑ 20% | 53 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,060↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is $27,760. This typically ranges from $20,980 for entry-level positions to $35,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 17.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,760 is significantly below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are comparable, the earning potential is lower.
Is Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($27,820) and Waco, TX.
How does the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Food Preparation Workers in this region earn approximately $6,040 less annually than the national average, with a salary of $27,760 compared to $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
The region has a Location Quotient of 1.76, meaning it is 76% more concentrated with Food Preparation Workers than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand or specialization.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Eastern Texas?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the lower salary of $27,760 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, as expenses are not higher.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are 1,170 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.12 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 Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area