Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Erie, PA
In Erie, PA, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $30,810. This figure is approximately $3,000 below the national average of $33,810. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Erie's job market contribute to this salary differential, reflecting the unique labor conditions present in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.66, Erie, PA, shows a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for food preparation services within the city, indicating a consistent job market for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Erie, PA earns-8.9%below the national average.
$14.8
$593
$2,568
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Erie, PA's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for roles across the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Erie, PA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Erie, PA, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile salary gaps are not detailed, the difference between starting wages and those for experienced or supervisory positions can be substantial, signifying clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,780 | $10.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,108 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,650 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,513 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,980 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,810 for Food Preparation Workers in Erie, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Erie is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
3.78
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Erie, PA 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Erie, PA, than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy, implying a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist but may not be as abundant as in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,660↓ 4% | 76 mi |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,250↑ 14% | 83 mi |
| Cleveland, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,200↑ 8% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Erie, PA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Erie, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Erie, PA is $30,810. This typically ranges from $21,780 for entry-level positions to $37,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Erie, PA is 8.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Erie, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,810 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Erie, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Erie, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Erie, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Youngstown-Warren, OH ($29,660) and Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY.
How does Erie's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Erie, PA, is $30,810, which is approximately $3,000 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA for Food Preparation Workers?
Erie, PA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Erie, PA?
There are approximately 450 Food Preparation Workers employed in Erie, PA, representing 3.78 jobs per 1,000 workers in the total local workforce.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Erie, PA?
The job market is stable with a consistent demand, indicated by the number of jobs per 1,000 workers, though the lower Location Quotient suggests it's not a major hub for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Erie, PA area with a job density of 3.78 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Erie, PA
- All Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Production Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Management Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Erie, PA
- Browse All Jobs in Erie, PA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Erie, PA