Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA, earn an average annual salary of $37,840, surpassing the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often influenced by the specific demands and economic conditions within the Longview-Kelso region, reflecting a localized premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,340.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 280 individuals in food preparation, Longview-Kelso demonstrates a stable employment base for these roles. The Location Quotient of 1.21 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand that supports the current workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA earns+11.9%above the national average.
$18.2
$728
$3,153
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Longview-Kelso is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Longview-Kelso, WA
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA, 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 salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways for dedicated individuals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,380 | $13.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,320 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $47,300 | $22.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,340 | $20.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,840 in Longview-Kelso, WA, 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 this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
6.952
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Longview-Kelso, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.21 for Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA, suggests a job market where these roles are slightly more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for food preparation services within the local economy, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,720↑ 2% | 46 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,360↑ 7% | 62 mi |
| Salem, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,910↓ 2% | 85 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,390↑ 7% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Longview-Kelso, WA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Longview-Kelso, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA is $37,840. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $43,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Longview-Kelso, WA is 11.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Longview-Kelso, WA offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power locally.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Longview-Kelso, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($38,720) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the Longview-Kelso salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA, earn approximately $4,000 more annually than the national average, with a salary of $37,840 compared to $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Longview-Kelso, WA?
The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Longview-Kelso, WA?
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, jobs for Food Preparation Workers are 21% more concentrated in Longview-Kelso, WA, than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Longview-Kelso, WA?
There are approximately 280 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Longview-Kelso, WA, area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Longview-Kelso, WA area with a job density of 6.952 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 Longview-Kelso, WA