Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jacksonville, FL
In Jacksonville, FL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $34,710. This figure is slightly above the national average of $33,810, indicating a competitive market. Local economic factors and demand within the hospitality sector likely contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,310.
- Outlook: Jacksonville boasts a substantial local workforce of 4,140 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these professionals within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, FL earns+2.7%above the national average.
$16.7
$668
$2,893
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general wage inflation and evolving market demands within the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Jacksonville, FL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced positions. As individuals gain skills and tenure, their earning potential increases, with significant salary differences often observed between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (senior roles).
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,870 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,033 | $12.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,388 | $20.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,310 | $18.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,710 in Jacksonville aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Jacksonville is equivalent to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
4,140
Total Jobs
5.478
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Jacksonville, FL has 0.95x 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 0.95 for Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville indicates that the industry's presence is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where opportunities are neither exceptionally scarce nor overly saturated, providing a steady environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,000↓ 11% | 57 mi |
| Gainesville, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,830↓ 3% | 60 mi |
| Ocala, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,600↓ 3% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jacksonville, FL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Jacksonville, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Jacksonville, FL is $34,710. This typically ranges from $28,870 for entry-level positions to $38,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jacksonville, FL is 2.7% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Jacksonville, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Jacksonville, FL offers a competitive compensation landscape for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $34,710 is slightly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Jacksonville, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Jacksonville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jacksonville, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brunswick-St. Simons, GA ($31,000) and Gainesville, FL.
What is the average hourly wage for a Food Preparation Worker in Jacksonville, FL?
Based on the average annual salary of $34,710 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Food Preparation Worker in Jacksonville, FL is around $16.69.
How does Jacksonville's job market compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Jacksonville's job market for Food Preparation Workers is very similar to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.95. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (5.478) also reflects this national parity.
Does experience significantly impact a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Jacksonville?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior or specialized Food Preparation Worker roles typically offer higher compensation, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
Is it more affordable to live in Jacksonville, FL compared to other major cities for a Food Preparation Worker?
Jacksonville's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100). While this means it's not significantly cheaper than the national average, it also suggests it's likely more affordable than cities with a higher cost of living index.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,140 employees in the Jacksonville, FL area with a job density of 5.478 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 Jacksonville, FL