Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jefferson City, MO
Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO, earn an average annual salary of $29,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Missouri capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,980.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 330 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.74, Jefferson City exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO earns-11.5%below the national average.
$14.4
$576
$2,494
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO, have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages for these essential roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Jefferson City, MO
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,448 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,110 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,413 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,980 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,930 in Jefferson City, MO, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average due to the balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
4.259
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Jefferson City, MO has 0.74x 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 0.74 for Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests a moderate level of competition for available positions, with opportunities present but not overwhelmingly abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,900↓ 0% | 10 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,380↓ 2% | 10 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,170↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,650↓ 1% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,780↑ 3% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jefferson City, MO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Jefferson City, MO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO is $29,930. This typically ranges from $26,140 for entry-level positions to $35,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jefferson City, MO is 11.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Jefferson City, MO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,930 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Jefferson City, MO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Jefferson City, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jefferson City, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area ($29,900) and Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Jefferson City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Jefferson City, MO, is $29,930, which is approximately $3,880 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Jefferson City, MO?
Jefferson City, MO, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Jefferson City, MO?
There are approximately 330 Food Preparation Workers employed in Jefferson City, MO, representing 4.259 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Jefferson City, MO?
The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.74 indicating a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting moderate demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Jefferson City, MO area with a job density of 4.259 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Jefferson City, MO
- All Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Management Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Production Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Jefferson City, MO
- Browse All Jobs in Jefferson City, MO →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jefferson City, MO