Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $27,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within the region. The specific pay scale in Lexington-Fayette is a direct reflection of the area's unique labor market conditions and the prevailing wage rates for this essential service sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 Food Preparation Workers, Lexington-Fayette demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.3. This suggests that the demand for food preparation services is higher in this area compared to the national average, implying a relatively robust job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-18.2%below the national average.
$13.3
$532
$2,304
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, though regional variations persist.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and those with specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain more experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,380 | $9.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,738 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,980 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,563 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,270 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,650 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
7.495
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.3 for Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette signifies a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a more competitive or perhaps more abundant job market for food preparation roles in the area, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to draw from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,060↓ 13% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,160↓ 16% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,360↓ 16% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,990↓ 17% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 3% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $27,650. This typically ranges from $20,380 for entry-level positions to $37,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 18.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $27,650 is below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($24,060) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Lexington-Fayette compare nationally?
Lexington-Fayette has 7.495 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 total workers, indicating a notable presence in the local labor market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Lexington-Fayette?
An LQ of 1.3 means that Food Preparation Workers are 30% more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette than the national average, suggesting higher local demand or a specialized industry presence.
Does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of the $27,650 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
A workforce of 2,120 suggests a substantial number of available positions, but the higher LQ also implies competition among job seekers for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,120 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 7.495 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- All Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Production Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Management Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Browse All Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY