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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Ithaca, NY

Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY, earn an average annual salary of $36,650, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This localized pay differential is often influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within Ithaca's unique market, reflecting the cost of labor in a distinct regional economy.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,150.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY, is stable and closely mirrors the national concentration. This suggests a consistent demand for these roles, indicating a robust environment for individuals seeking employment or career stability in this sector within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,650

The average Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY earns+8.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.6

Weekly

$705

Monthly

$3,054

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Ithaca, NY

The career trajectory for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a progression from entry-level roles to more senior positions, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and those earned by experienced professionals generally signifies substantial career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,488$13.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,990$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,813$22
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,150$21.2

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,650 in Ithaca, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This indicates that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Ithaca is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover local expenses.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

5.717

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ithaca, NY has 0.99x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.99 for Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY, signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is almost identical to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are neither exceptionally scarce nor overly abundant, providing a balanced landscape for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Elmira, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary$34,290↓ 6%29 mi
Binghamton, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary$35,590↓ 3%39 mi
Syracuse, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary$35,280↓ 4%45 mi
Rochester, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary$35,260↓ 4%75 mi
Utica-Rome, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary$34,910↓ 5%79 mi

Comparing salaries near Ithaca, NY

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Ithaca, NY?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY is $36,650. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $44,150 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ithaca, NY is 8.4% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Ithaca, NY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Ithaca, NY offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,650 is higher than the national average of $33,810, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Ithaca, NY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Ithaca, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ithaca, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Elmira, NY ($34,290) and Binghamton, NY.

How does Ithaca's job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?

Ithaca's job market for Food Preparation Workers is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99, indicating a comparable concentration of these jobs.

What is the average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY, is $36,650.

How does the cost of living in Ithaca affect the salary of Food Preparation Workers?

The cost of living in Ithaca is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $36,650 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Ithaca, NY?

There are approximately 270 Food Preparation Workers employed in Ithaca, NY.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Ithaca, NY area with a job density of 5.717 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ithaca, NY