Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
Food Preparation Workers in Fargo, ND-MN earn an average annual salary of $35,470, surpassing the national average of $33,810. This localized premium is influenced by a unique combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Fargo metropolitan area's food service sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,710.
- Outlook: The Fargo, ND-MN job market for Food Preparation Workers appears stable, with a total local workforce of 480 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is below the national average, the existing workforce indicates a consistent presence and ongoing need for these essential positions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Fargo, ND-MN earns+4.9%above the national average.
$17.1
$682
$2,956
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fargo is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation and increasing labor costs across the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Fargo, ND-MN
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Fargo typically involves moving from entry-level roles to positions with greater responsibility and potentially supervisory duties. Salary increases are expected with accumulating experience, with significant percentile gaps likely separating the earnings of those starting out from seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,760 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,603 | $12.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,338 | $21.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,710 | $21.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal salary of $35,470 for Food Preparation Workers in Fargo, ND-MN offers a purchasing power that aligns with the typical American lifestyle. This means that the earned income should cover essential expenses and allow for discretionary spending comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
3.251
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Fargo, ND-MN has 0.56x 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 0.56 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Fargo, ND-MN compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not saturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,890↓ 4% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fargo, ND-MN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Fargo, ND-MN is $35,470. This typically ranges from $27,760 for entry-level positions to $44,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fargo, ND-MN is 4.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
Yes, Fargo, ND-MN offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary of $35,470 in Fargo exceeds the national average of $33,810, indicating a higher earning potential for these roles within the region.
Is Fargo, ND-MN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fargo, ND-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fargo, ND-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Forks, ND-MN ($33,890) and others.
How does Fargo's cost of living affect the salary?
Fargo's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $35,470 salary provides purchasing power consistent with the national median.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.56 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.56, suggests that Food Preparation Workers are less common in Fargo relative to the nation, potentially indicating steady demand.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Fargo?
There are approximately 480 Food Preparation Workers employed within the Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan area.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Fargo?
While the total workforce is 480, the Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests a moderate but not overwhelmingly high concentration of these roles, implying a balanced job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Fargo, ND-MN area with a job density of 3.251 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 Fargo, ND-MN
- All Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Management Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Production Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Fargo, ND-MN
- Browse All Jobs in Fargo, ND-MN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fargo, ND-MN