Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Killeen-Temple, TX
In Killeen-Temple, TX, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,820. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Killeen-Temple shapes the earning potential for this vital sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,070.
- Outlook: The Killeen-Temple area supports a local workforce of 1,790 Food Preparation Workers, with 12.074 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 2.09 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for food preparation talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Killeen-Temple, TX earns-17.7%below the national average.
$13.4
$535
$2,318
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Killeen-Temple is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for these positions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Killeen-Temple, TX
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Killeen-Temple typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior staff generally widens with increased experience, skill, and responsibility, reflecting a clear career ladder within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,260 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,865 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,020 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,775 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,070 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,820 in Killeen-Temple 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 salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial baseline for residents.
Job Market Context
1,790
Total Jobs
12.074
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Killeen-Temple, TX has 2.1x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.09, Killeen-Temple exhibits a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly competitive environment for employers seeking talent, and a favorable market for job seekers due to the relative abundance of opportunities compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
Comparing salaries near Killeen-Temple, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Killeen-Temple, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Killeen-Temple, TX is $27,820. This typically ranges from $21,260 for entry-level positions to $37,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Killeen-Temple, TX is 17.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,820 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Killeen-Temple, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Killeen-Temple, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($27,160) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Killeen-Temple's concentration of Food Preparation Workers compare nationally?
Killeen-Temple has a concentration (Location Quotient) of 2.09, meaning there are more than twice as many Food Preparation Worker jobs relative to the workforce size compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Killeen-Temple?
There are approximately 1,790 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Killeen-Temple, TX area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Food Preparation Worker salary in Killeen-Temple?
The Cost of Living Index in Killeen-Temple is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $27,820 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Killeen-Temple?
Yes, the high number of jobs per 1,000 workers (12.074) and the strong Location Quotient (2.09) indicate a robust demand and a significant presence of Food Preparation Worker roles in the Killeen-Temple market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,790 employees in the Killeen-Temple, TX area with a job density of 12.074 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 Killeen-Temple, TX