Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Helena, MT
The average salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Helena, MT is $31,690. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,040.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Preparation Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. With a high job density of 3.99 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Helena, MT earns-6.3%below the national average.
$15.2
$609
$2,641
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Historical trend data for Food Preparation Workers in Helena, MT is limited, but current market signals indicate a stable demand environment.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
The earning potential for Food Preparation Workerss in Helena, MT varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $24,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,040.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,430 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,768 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,580 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,613 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,040 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Helena, MT, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $31,690 to $31,690.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
3.99
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 0.69x 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.
170 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Helena, MT.
Moderate density — roughly 3.99 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,450↓ 4% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,820↑ 0% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,190↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,190↓ 2% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,800↑ 13% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Helena, MT is $31,690. This typically ranges from $24,430 for entry-level positions to $36,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 6.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Helena, MT a good place for Food Preparation Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Helena, MT is $31,690 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Helena, MT. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($30,450) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 3.99 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 Helena, MT