Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
In Elkhart-Goshen, IN, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and demand dynamics at play within this specific Indiana region. The cost of living in Elkhart-Goshen aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may remain relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,300.
- Outlook: The Elkhart-Goshen area supports a local workforce of 490 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust job market for this specific occupation within the region. The presence of 3.788 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN earns-7.4%below the national average.
$15.1
$602
$2,608
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Elkhart-Goshen's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical as the cost of living and demand for essential services evolve.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Elkhart-Goshen, IN
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,870 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,475 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,200 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,125 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,300 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,300 in Elkhart-Goshen, IN, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Food Preparation Worker in this area offers a purchasing power that is on par with the national median, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
3.788
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has 0.66x 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 0.66 for Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen signifies that this occupation is less concentrated in this metropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market may not be as saturated with these roles as in other regions, the demand might also be proportionally lower, presenting a balanced competitive landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,650↑ 1% | 16 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,830↑ 2% | 45 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,680↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 1% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Elkhart-Goshen, IN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $31,300. This typically ranges from $22,870 for entry-level positions to $37,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 7.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,300 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par with the national index.
Is Elkhart-Goshen, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI ($31,650) and Niles, MI.
How does the Elkhart-Goshen salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is $31,300, which is approximately 7.4% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
Elkhart-Goshen, IN has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Elkhart-Goshen, IN is approximately 490 individuals.
Is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers high in Elkhart-Goshen, IN?
No, the concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66, is below the national average, meaning these jobs are less prevalent per capita than in the U.S. overall.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Elkhart-Goshen, IN area with a job density of 3.788 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 Elkhart-Goshen, IN