Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lincoln, NE
In Lincoln, NE, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $33,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that while the demand is present, local economic factors and the cost of living may influence compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone considering a career in food preparation within this specific market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,040.
- Outlook: Lincoln, NE supports a robust local workforce of 1,450 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.39, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a potentially strong and stable job market for individuals in this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lincoln, NE earns-1.6%below the national average.
$16
$640
$2,772
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lincoln, NE is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Lincoln, NE, like elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as workers gain more experience and skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,970 | $13.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,945 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,690 | $16.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,575 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,040 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $33,260 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Lincoln, NE, effectively aligns with the cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Lincoln is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant advantages or disadvantages related to expenses.
Job Market Context
1,450
Total Jobs
8.013
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Lincoln, NE has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Lincoln, NE boasts a Location Quotient of 1.39 for Food Preparation Workers, which is notably higher than the national average of 1.0. This suggests that the job market in Lincoln is more concentrated with these roles than the typical U.S. city, indicating a potentially competitive but also abundant environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,380↑ 0% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,750↓ 5% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,370↓ 6% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,190↓ 9% | 86 mi |
| Grand Island, NE Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,540↓ 2% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lincoln, NE is $33,260. This typically ranges from $27,970 for entry-level positions to $38,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 1.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Lincoln, NE has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs (LQ 1.39), the average salary of $33,260 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living also matches the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($33,380) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Lincoln compare nationally?
Lincoln, NE has 8.013 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater presence of this profession locally.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Lincoln?
An LQ of 1.39 means that Food Preparation Workers are 39% more concentrated in Lincoln, NE, than the national average, suggesting a stronger local demand or industry presence.
Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Lincoln?
Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level positions will pay less, while those with significant experience or specialized skills can expect higher earnings, reflecting career progression.
How does Lincoln's cost of living affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
Lincoln's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $33,260 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering no significant cost-of-living-based advantage or disadvantage.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,450 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 8.013 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 Lincoln, NE
- All Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Management Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Production Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Lincoln, NE
- Browse All Jobs in Lincoln, NE →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lincoln, NE