Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lawton, OK
The average salary for Food Preparation Workerss in Lawton, OK is $25,780. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lawton, OK may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Preparation Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lawton, OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lawton, OK earns-23.8%below the national average.
$12.4
$496
$2,148
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Food Preparation Workers salaries in Lawton, OK have remained stable with a modest increase of 4.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lawton, OK
The earning potential for Food Preparation Workerss in Lawton, OK varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $17,200, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $35,260.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,200 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,335 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,440 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,225 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lawton, OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $25,780 to $25,780.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
2.888
Per 1K Jobs
0.5
Location Quotient
Lawton, OK has 0.50x 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.
120 people work as Food Preparation Workers in Lawton, OK.
Moderate density — roughly 2.888 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,790↑ 4% | 49 mi |
| Oklahoma City, OK Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,400↑ 14% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawton, OK
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lawton, OK?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lawton, OK is $25,780. This typically ranges from $17,200 for entry-level positions to $35,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawton, OK is 23.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lawton, OK a good place for Food Preparation Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Lawton, OK is $25,780 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lawton, OK. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lawton, OK a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawton, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawton, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita Falls, TX ($26,790) and Oklahoma City, OK.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Lawton, OK area with a job density of 2.888 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 Lawton, OK