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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Fairbanks-College, AK

In Fairbanks-College, Alaska, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $36,870. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized premium for these roles. The higher compensation is likely influenced by Alaska's unique economic factors, including a higher cost of doing business and potentially greater demand in a less densely populated state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,670.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 310 individuals in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.52 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly above the national average, suggesting a consistent demand that outpaces the general U.S. landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,870

The average Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK earns+9.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.7

Weekly

$709

Monthly

$3,073

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Fairbanks-College, AK

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting a clear percentile gap that signifies career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,130$14.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,653$13.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,830$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$46,088$22.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,670$21

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,870 in Fairbanks-College, AK, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

8.738

Per 1K Jobs

1.52

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Fairbanks-College, AK has 1.5x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.52, Fairbanks-College, AK, demonstrates a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, while offering more opportunities for job seekers in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Fairbanks-College, AK?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK is $36,870. This typically ranges from $30,130 for entry-level positions to $43,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fairbanks-College, AK is 9.1% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Fairbanks-College, AK a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, it offers a higher average salary than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK, earn an average of $36,870 annually, which is above the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary offers comparable purchasing power.

Is Fairbanks-College, AK a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Fairbanks-College, AK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK?

A local workforce of 310 in this sector suggests a stable, though not massive, pool of talent. Combined with a high Location Quotient, this indicates a demand that may outstrip the immediate local supply, potentially benefiting job seekers.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.52 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK?

A Location Quotient of 1.52 means that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 52% more concentrated in Fairbanks-College, AK, than the national average. This signifies a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job openings relative to the overall workforce.

Does the cost of living in Fairbanks-College, AK affect the value of the Food Preparation Worker salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the cost of living in Fairbanks-College, AK, is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $36,870 translates to a purchasing power that is equivalent to the national average.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Food Preparation Workers in Fairbanks-College, AK?

Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level positions will likely offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher compensation, reflecting a typical career progression.

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 Fairbanks-College, AK area with a job density of 8.738 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.