Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
In La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $32,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific metropolitan area. Understanding these regional nuances is key for anyone considering a career in food preparation here.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,500.
- Outlook: The La Crosse-Onalaska area supports a dedicated workforce of 720 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.5, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 50% higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN earns-3.9%below the national average.
$15.6
$625
$2,707
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation, rising operational costs for businesses, and a sustained demand for culinary services.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior or specialized positions. As individuals gain experience and develop advanced culinary skills, their earning potential increases significantly, with noticeable salary jumps 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) | $23,280 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,360 | $11.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,120 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,600 | $19.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,500 | $19 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,480 in La Crosse-Onalaska aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally match the cost of essential goods and services.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
8.653
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 for Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska signifies a notably higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek talent, potentially leading to more opportunities but also requiring individuals to stand out with their skills and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,570↑ 10% | 64 mi |
| Eau Claire, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,460↓ 0% | 70 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,080↓ 1% | 86 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↓ 3% | 86 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,090↑ 2% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is $32,480. This typically ranges from $23,280 for entry-level positions to $39,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is 3.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary of $32,480 is slightly below the national average of $33,810. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, MN ($35,570) and Eau Claire, WI.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska compare nationally?
With 8.653 jobs per 1,000 workers, the La Crosse-Onalaska area has a higher density of Food Preparation Worker positions than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence in this occupation.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.5 mean for Food Preparation Workers?
A Location Quotient of 1.5 means that the La Crosse-Onalaska area has 50% more Food Preparation Workers relative to its overall workforce than the national average, suggesting a specialized demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in La Crosse-Onalaska affect salary expectations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, La Crosse-Onalaska is on par with the national average. This means the $32,480 salary provides a similar standard of living to what one might expect nationally, without significant financial advantages or disadvantages due to cost.
What is the typical salary range for Food Preparation Workers in La Crosse-Onalaska?
While the average is $32,480, actual salaries can vary based on experience, specific employer, and responsibilities. Entry-level positions will likely be at the lower end, while experienced workers in supervisory roles can command higher compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN area with a job density of 8.653 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 La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN