Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
Food Preparation Workers in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV area earn an average annual salary of $32,990. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810. Local economic factors, including the specific demand for food service roles and the overall cost of doing business within the region, contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,230.
- Outlook: The Hagerstown-Martinsburg area supports a local workforce of 560 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the concentration of these roles is just under the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of approximately 5.281 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV earns-2.4%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,749
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hagerstown-Martinsburg is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for these positions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior or specialized positions. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, reflecting greater skill, responsibility, and efficiency. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries often widens with experience, signifying clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,780 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,743 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,238 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,230 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,990 in Hagerstown-Martinsburg aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal earnings of a Food Preparation Worker in this area have purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary provides a standard of living comparable to the typical American worker, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
5.281
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV has 0.92x 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 0.92 for Food Preparation Workers in Hagerstown-Martinsburg indicates that the job market for this profession is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable. While not a high-demand area compared to the national benchmark, it signifies a consistent presence of these roles without excessive competition, offering steady employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chambersburg, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,640↓ 7% | 20 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,700↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,270↓ 2% | 40 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,070↓ 9% | 57 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↓ 4% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is $32,990. This typically ranges from $26,780 for entry-level positions to $37,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is 2.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $32,990 is slightly below the national average, and the location quotient suggests a market concentration that is not significantly above the national average.
Is Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chambersburg, PA ($30,640) and Gettysburg, PA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Hagerstown-Martinsburg earn an average of $32,990 annually, which is slightly less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Hagerstown-Martinsburg?
The Cost of Living Index in Hagerstown-Martinsburg is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Hagerstown-Martinsburg?
There are approximately 560 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg area.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in this area?
The market is stable with a Location Quotient of 0.92, indicating a concentration of jobs close to the national average, suggesting consistent but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV area with a job density of 5.281 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 Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV