Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
In the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $25,960. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local food service industry. The cost of living in this region is precisely at the national average, meaning the nominal salary's purchasing power is consistent with the rest of the country.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,520.
- Outlook: The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area demonstrates a significant concentration of Food Preparation Worker roles, with a total local workforce of 3,240 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.94 indicates that these jobs are more than 90% more prevalent here than in the average U.S. location, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX earns-23.2%below the national average.
$12.5
$499
$2,163
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service sector. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving market demands likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
The career trajectory for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and the average salary of $25,960 suggests that accumulating experience and developing specialized skills can lead to significant earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,970 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,470 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,810 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,450 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,520 | $17.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area offers a cost of living that is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means that the average annual salary of $25,960 for Food Preparation Workers provides a purchasing power that is consistent with what one would expect nationwide, making relocation financially neutral in terms of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
3,240
Total Jobs
11.166
Per 1K Jobs
1.94
Location Quotient
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX has 1.9x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.94 for Food Preparation Workers in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX signifies a market where these roles are significantly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions, while also indicating a favorable job market for individuals looking to enter or advance in this profession within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,080↓ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is $25,960. This typically ranges from $17,970 for entry-level positions to $36,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 23.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $25,960 is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810. The high concentration of jobs indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($25,080) and others.
How does the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is $25,960, which is considerably less than the national average of $33,810.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.94 mean for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.94 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are nearly twice as common in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX compared to the national average, suggesting higher demand relative to the workforce size.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Food Preparation Worker salary in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
No, the cost of living in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $25,960 salary has the same relative purchasing power as it would nationally.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX?
There are approximately 3,240 Food Preparation Workers employed in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,240 employees in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area with a job density of 11.166 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 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX