Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,700. 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 levels for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,430.
- Outlook: The Lafayette-West Lafayette area supports a local workforce of 420 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-12.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$571
$2,475
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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, as in most markets, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette typically scales 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 reflect the opportunities for career advancement and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,430 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,275 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,125 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,430 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,700 in Lafayette-West Lafayette aligns perfectly 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 this income is likely comparable to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
4.099
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 0.71x 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 0.71 for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette indicates that the occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent presence of these roles, the market is not oversaturated, and job opportunities may be moderately competitive.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↑ 4% | 39 mi |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,480↓ 1% | 50 mi |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,220↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Central Indiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,890↑ 1% | 50 mi |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,830↑ 11% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $29,700. This typically ranges from $22,430 for entry-level positions to $38,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 12.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but the cost of living is average.The average salary of $29,700 is below the national average, but the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($30,980) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette-West Lafayette salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $29,700, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.71, is slightly below the national average.
What is the total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
There are approximately 420 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 4.099 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN