Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lexington Park, MD
In Lexington Park, MD, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $34,400. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this specific locale. Local economic factors and demand within the food service industry likely contribute to this modest pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.84, Lexington Park presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this role. The concentration suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to national trends, implying a steady but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lexington Park, MD earns+1.7%above the national average.
$16.5
$662
$2,867
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lexington Park is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward movement is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wages, and evolving labor market dynamics that favor wage increases.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lexington Park, MD
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Lexington Park, as elsewhere, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. Salary increases are generally tied to accumulating experience, mastering new skills, and taking on greater responsibilities, with noticeable percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,200 | $15 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,800 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,780 | $15.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,000 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,730 | $20.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,400 in Lexington Park aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Lexington Park is equivalent to the national standard, offering neither a significant financial advantage nor disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.825
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Lexington Park, MD has 0.84x 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 0.84 for Food Preparation Workers in Lexington Park indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these professionals, the market is not oversaturated, and competition might be moderate rather than intense.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salisbury, MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,710↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,720↑ 7% | 55 mi |
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,660↑ 1% | 59 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,590↑ 3% | 72 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,250↓ 3% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington Park, MD
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lexington Park, MD?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lexington Park, MD is $34,400. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $41,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington Park, MD is 1.7% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lexington Park, MD a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,400 is only slightly above the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial gain.
Is Lexington Park, MD a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington Park, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington Park, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salisbury, MD ($33,710) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 350 suggests a moderate-sized pool of existing professionals. This indicates a stable job market rather than one experiencing rapid expansion or contraction.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.84 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.84, implies that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Lexington Park compared to the national average. This could mean fewer specialized opportunities but also potentially less competition for general roles.
How does the cost of living impact the $34,400 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,400 salary in Lexington Park has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in Lexington Park?
With 4.825 jobs per 1,000 workers, Lexington Park has a slightly lower density of Food Preparation Worker positions compared to the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Lexington Park, MD area with a job density of 4.825 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 Lexington Park, MD