Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Food Preparation Workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, earn an average annual salary of $31,830. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation. The cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage aligns precisely with the national average, meaning the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the broader U.S.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,700.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 410 individuals in food preparation roles, Kalamazoo-Portage presents a moderately sized employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that this sector is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the demand may not be as robust as in other regions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns-5.9%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,653
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kalamazoo-Portage is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to the Kalamazoo-Portage area, with incremental increases in average compensation reflecting broader economic shifts.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers typically expands with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,530 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,873 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,530 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,788 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,830 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by a Food Preparation Worker here will have a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
3.46
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI has 0.60x 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 0.6 for Food Preparation Workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, signifies that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This suggests that the job market for this role may be less saturated than in other areas, potentially offering a more stable, albeit less competitive, environment for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↓ 0% | 18 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,300↓ 2% | 45 mi |
| Niles, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↓ 1% | 45 mi |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,600↑ 6% | 48 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,650↓ 1% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $31,830. This typically ranges from $24,530 for entry-level positions to $37,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 5.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,830 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate indicates less financial advantage compared to other locations.
Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($31,710) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the Kalamazoo-Portage salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, is $31,830, which is approximately $1,980 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.6?
An LQ of 0.6 means that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 40% less concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, compared to the national average, indicating a smaller relative presence of this occupation in the local workforce.
How does the cost of living in Kalamazoo-Portage affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Kalamazoo-Portage is at the national average. This means the $31,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it neither particularly high nor low in real terms.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for this location?
The figure of 3.46 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every 1,000 individuals employed in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, approximately 3.46 are in Food Preparation Worker roles, providing context on the prevalence of these jobs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 3.46 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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI