Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA earn an average annual salary of $32,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Virginia city. The specific pay rates are often tied to the regional cost of labor and the prevalence of food service establishments.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,800.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Food Preparation Workers, Harrisonburg presents a modest but stable employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.52 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Harrisonburg compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce, without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA earns-4.1%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,701
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and the evolving demands of the food service industry, which necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain staff.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the food service sector, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| 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) | $24,308 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,490 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,513 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,800 | $18.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,410 in Harrisonburg, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Harrisonburg is comparable to the national average, indicating that the local economic conditions do not present a significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
3.003
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Harrisonburg, VA has 0.52x 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 0.52 for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg signifies that the concentration of these jobs is half that of the national average. This suggests that while the profession exists and is necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy compared to national trends, potentially leading to a less competitive job market for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↓ 2% | 22 mi |
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,720↑ 7% | 35 mi |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↓ 5% | 60 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,060↓ 17% | 60 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,090↓ 7% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisonburg, VA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA is $32,410. This typically ranges from $26,780 for entry-level positions to $38,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 4.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Harrisonburg, VA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $32,410 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate indicates less financial advantage compared to other locations.
Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($31,840) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does Harrisonburg's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA is $32,410, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Harrisonburg, VA for Food Preparation Workers?
Harrisonburg, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly at the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA?
With a Location Quotient of 0.52, the demand for Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Harrisonburg, VA?
There are approximately 200 Food Preparation Workers employed in Harrisonburg, VA, representing a small but established segment of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 3.003 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 Harrisonburg, VA
- All Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Production Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Harrisonburg, VA
- Browse All Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA