Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Elizabethtown, KY
In Elizabethtown, KY, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $25,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Elizabethtown shapes the earning potential for this vital sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,250.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 430 individuals in food preparation roles, Elizabethtown demonstrates a concentrated demand for these services, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.46. This suggests that food preparation jobs are more prevalent in Elizabethtown relative to the national average, pointing towards a robust local job market for these positions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown, KY earns-25.1%below the national average.
$12.2
$487
$2,111
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elizabethtown's food preparation workers is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for most occupations, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Elizabethtown, KY
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown, as elsewhere, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise, responsibility, and potentially supervisory duties, signifying clear career advancement pathways.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,490 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,998 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,810 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,663 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,330 for Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
8.442
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Elizabethtown, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Elizabethtown's Location Quotient of 1.46 for Food Preparation Workers signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive or perhaps more abundant job market for food preparation roles in the area, indicating that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to draw from, or that the industry plays a more significant role in the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 13% | 39 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,330↑ 4% | 59 mi |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,060↓ 5% | 66 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,160↓ 9% | 66 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,360↓ 8% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elizabethtown, KY
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Elizabethtown, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown, KY is $25,330. This typically ranges from $17,490 for entry-level positions to $35,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elizabethtown, KY is 25.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the $25,330 annual salary is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high compensation.
Is Elizabethtown, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elizabethtown, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($28,500) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the Elizabethtown salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown, KY is $25,330, which is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.46 mean for Elizabethtown?
A Location Quotient of 1.46 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 46% more concentrated in Elizabethtown than the national average, suggesting a stronger local presence of this industry.
Does the Cost of Living in Elizabethtown affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Elizabethtown is 100, matching the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $25,330 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower pay.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown?
There are approximately 430 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers in Elizabethtown, KY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Elizabethtown, KY area with a job density of 8.442 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 Elizabethtown, KY