Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
In the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $24,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and potentially a different demand dynamic for these roles within the region. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by a combination of local market conditions and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,170.
- Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland area supports a local workforce of 760 Food Preparation Workers, with a concentration quotient of 0.94. This suggests a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of the proportion of these workers relative to the overall labor force. While not indicating hyper-demand, the steady presence of these roles points to a stable employment environment for individuals in food preparation.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-26.2%below the national average.
$12
$480
$2,080
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is a general economic trend that wages for most occupations, including food preparation, have seen incremental growth over time due to inflation and evolving labor market demands. It is reasonable to assume that Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland have experienced modest salary increases, mirroring broader economic patterns and adjustments in the cost of living.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves gaining experience and developing specialized skills, which can lead to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,850 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,720 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,750 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,170 | $15.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,960 for Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
760
Total Jobs
5.422
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 0.94x 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 0.94, the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area exhibits a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced supply and demand scenario, where the number of these jobs is neither exceptionally abundant nor scarce relative to the overall employment landscape. Professionals in this field can expect a competitive but stable job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,170↑ 13% | 44 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,910↑ 12% | 76 mi |
| Beckley, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,930↑ 4% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $24,960. This typically ranges from $17,850 for entry-level positions to $33,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 26.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $24,960 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, moderating the impact of lower wages.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($28,170) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland is $24,960, which is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job concentration for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the proportion of Food Preparation Workers in the local workforce is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower-than-average salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Huntington-Ashland?
There are approximately 760 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Huntington-Ashland 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 760 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 5.422 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH