Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Great Falls, MT
In Great Falls, MT, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,450. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. The pay scale in Great Falls is influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic landscape of Montana.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,220.
- Outlook: The Great Falls, MT market for Food Preparation Workers shows a stable presence, with a total local workforce of 210 individuals. A Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these roles in Great Falls is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT earns-9.9%below the national average.
$14.6
$586
$2,538
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Great Falls is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend is likely mirrored to some extent in Great Falls, with modest annual increases contributing to the current average salary.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which command higher compensation. The salary gap between the lower and upper percentiles signifies opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as workers gain experience, refine their skills, and take on greater responsibilities within food service establishments.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,830 | $11.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,838 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,910 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,063 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,220 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $30,450 in Great Falls, MT, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the value of this salary.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
5.701
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Great Falls, MT has 0.99x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT, is neither significantly over-saturated nor exceptionally scarce compared to national benchmarks. This suggests a balanced market where job opportunities are available, but the concentration of workers is closely aligned with national averages, indicating a steady level of competition and demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,820↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,190↓ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,190↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,690↑ 4% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT is $30,450. This typically ranges from $23,830 for entry-level positions to $35,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 9.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Great Falls, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Great Falls, MT is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,450 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage to working in this role in Great Falls compared to other areas.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($31,820) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Great Falls, MT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT is $30,450, which is approximately $3,360 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls, MT?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, indicating that the presence of Food Preparation Workers in Great Falls is very close to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Great Falls, MT affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Great Falls, MT is at the national average (100), meaning the slightly lower salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Great Falls, MT?
There are approximately 210 Food Preparation Workers employed in Great Falls, MT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 5.701 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 Great Falls, MT