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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Medford, OR

Food Preparation Workers in Medford, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $35,880, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This localized premium is often driven by specific regional economic factors, including the demand for culinary services and the overall cost of doing business within the Medford area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,880 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,240.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 680 Food Preparation Workers, Medford presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.34 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially favorable job market for skilled individuals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,880

The average Food Preparation Workers in Medford, OR earns+6.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.3

Weekly

$690

Monthly

$2,990

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Medford, OR

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Medford typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which are compensated at higher salary levels. The salary distribution, while not explicitly detailed, generally shows a widening gap between the lower and upper percentiles, signifying opportunities for increased earnings with acquired experience and specialized skills.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,080$14.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,910$12.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,320$17
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$44,850$21.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$43,240$20.8

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,880

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,880

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $35,880 in Medford aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Medford is equivalent to that of a worker earning the national average elsewhere, offering a balanced financial standing within the local economy.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

7.703

Per 1K Jobs

1.34

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.34, Medford, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.34 for Food Preparation Workers in Medford signifies that this profession is more concentrated in the area than the national average. This suggests a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles, indicating that the job market may be more favorable for job seekers compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Grants Pass, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary$36,090 1%25 mi

Comparing salaries near Medford, OR

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Medford, OR?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Medford, OR is $35,880. This typically ranges from $30,080 for entry-level positions to $43,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Medford, OR is 6.1% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Medford, OR a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Medford, OR offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $35,880 surpasses the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good relative earning potential.

Is Medford, OR a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Medford, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Medford, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Grants Pass, OR ($36,090) and others.

How does the Medford job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?

Medford has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.34, suggesting a stronger local demand.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Medford?

There are approximately 680 Food Preparation Workers employed in Medford, OR.

How does the cost of living in Medford affect salary expectations?

Medford's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $35,880 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.

Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Medford?

With 7.703 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient above 1, the job market in Medford appears to offer a good number of opportunities for Food Preparation Workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Medford, OR area with a job density of 7.703 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.