Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and specific employer compensation strategies play a significant role in determining pay rates within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,170.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area boasts a substantial workforce of 22,840 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.22, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled individuals in this field within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-5.8%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,653
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and adjustments to minimum wage laws and inflation. This suggests a stable, albeit modest, upward trajectory for compensation in this role.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity throughout one's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,680 | $11.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,880 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,770 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,800 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,170 | $18.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,840 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for Food Preparation Workers residing in the area.
Job Market Context
22,840
Total Jobs
7.036
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 for Food Preparation Workers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands signifies that this metropolitan area has approximately 22% more of these jobs per capita than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market with a notable abundance of opportunities, potentially leading to more employer choices for job seekers but also indicating a strong supply of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,610↓ 13% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,060↓ 12% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $31,840. This typically ranges from $23,680 for entry-level positions to $39,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 5.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Food Preparation Workers is slightly below the national benchmark. However, the higher concentration of jobs indicates strong demand.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($27,610) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands is $31,840, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
An LQ of 1.22 indicates that Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita than the national average, suggesting greater demand and opportunity within the region.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $31,840 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area?
There are approximately 22,840 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 22,840 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 7.036 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX