Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in El Centro, CA
Food Preparation Workers in El Centro, CA, command an average annual salary of $39,410, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation in El Centro is influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand for these essential roles within the region's unique labor market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,630.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 individuals in food preparation roles, El Centro presents a moderately concentrated market. The location quotient of 0.86 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable and consistent demand for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in El Centro, CA earns+16.6%above the national average.
$19
$758
$3,284
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in El Centro, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor demands.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in El Centro, CA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in El Centro typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are often accompanied by higher pay. The salary distribution, while not explicitly detailed, would show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential with experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,558 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,780 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,263 | $23.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,630 | $24.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,410 in El Centro, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in El Centro is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
4.963
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
El Centro, CA has 0.86x 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.
A location quotient of 0.86 indicates that Food Preparation Worker roles are slightly less concentrated in El Centro compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled workers without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Yuma, AZ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,600↓ 15% | 60 mi |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,310↑ 2% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near El Centro, CA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in El Centro, CA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in El Centro, CA is $39,410. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $51,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in El Centro, CA is 16.6% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is El Centro, CA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it is a financially stable place for Food Preparation Workers.Food Preparation Workers in El Centro earn approximately $5,600 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this offers a strong purchasing power for local workers.
Is El Centro, CA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in El Centro, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near El Centro, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Yuma, AZ ($33,600) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.
How does El Centro's job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
El Centro's job market for Food Preparation Workers is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a location quotient of 0.86, indicating a balanced demand and supply dynamic.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in El Centro, CA?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in El Centro, CA, is $39,410.
How does the cost of living in El Centro affect salary value?
El Centro's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,410 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
What does the job density suggest for Food Preparation Workers in El Centro?
With 4.963 jobs per 1,000 workers, the job density indicates a steady presence and consistent demand for Food Preparation Workers in El Centro.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the El Centro, CA area with a job density of 4.963 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 El Centro, CA