Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Kokomo, IN
Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo, IN earn an average annual salary of $30,980. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation for these roles in the area. The specific economic conditions and demand within Kokomo shape the earning potential for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,220.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 1.13, Kokomo, IN demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation services within the city, indicating a moderately robust job market for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo, IN earns-8.4%below the national average.
$14.9
$596
$2,582
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kokomo's Food Preparation Worker salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to modest salary increases for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Kokomo, IN
The career trajectory for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While exact figures vary, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by experienced professionals often signifies substantial career growth and increased responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,440 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,235 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,210 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,725 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,220 | $19.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,980 in Kokomo, IN aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the nominal income earned by Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
6.526
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Kokomo, IN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.13 for Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo, IN signifies that the occupation is 13% more concentrated in this area than the national average. This indicates a slightly more competitive or abundant job market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,700↓ 4% | 39 mi |
| Muncie, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,730↓ 7% | 43 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,480↓ 5% | 43 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,220↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,890↓ 4% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kokomo, IN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Kokomo, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo, IN is $30,980. This typically ranges from $21,440 for entry-level positions to $41,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kokomo, IN is 8.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Kokomo, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Kokomo, IN is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,980 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there's no significant financial advantage to working in this role in Kokomo compared to other areas.
Is Kokomo, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kokomo, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kokomo, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN ($29,700) and Muncie, IN.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Kokomo compare nationally?
Kokomo has 6.526 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a moderate presence of this profession within the local labor force.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Kokomo?
An LQ of 1.13 means that Food Preparation Workers are 13% more concentrated in Kokomo than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher availability of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
Does Kokomo, IN offer a high cost of living for Food Preparation Workers?
No, Kokomo, IN has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers employed in Kokomo, IN?
There are approximately 230 Food Preparation Workers employed in Kokomo, IN, representing a small but stable segment of the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Kokomo, IN area with a job density of 6.526 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 Kokomo, IN