Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Food Preparation Workers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $34,120. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape locally. Factors such as regional demand and the specific economic conditions within the Milwaukee metropolitan area likely contribute to this modest pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,780.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha region supports a substantial workforce of 5,240 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.11, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 11% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing job market for food preparation professionals in the area, implying steady demand for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns+0.9%above the national average.
$16.4
$656
$2,843
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory in compensation is typical for roles experiencing consistent demand and workforce stability.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and proven performance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,710 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,590 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,650 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,780 | $20.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,120 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation.
Job Market Context
5,240
Total Jobs
6.391
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.11 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area than in the nation as a whole. This suggests a healthy demand for these professionals, making the job market relatively competitive but also indicating a good number of opportunities available for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,910↓ 9% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,490↓ 2% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,050↓ 6% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,590↓ 10% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,740↓ 10% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $34,120. This typically ranges from $26,710 for entry-level positions to $42,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 0.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $34,120 is marginally higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates a stable, slightly advantageous earning potential for these roles.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($30,910) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee compare nationally?
With 6.391 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Milwaukee-Waukesha area has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence in this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 1.11 means that Food Preparation Workers are 11% more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than the national average, indicating a higher demand or a more established industry presence for these roles locally.
Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Senior Food Preparation Workers typically earn more than entry-level staff due to their acquired skills and knowledge.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of Food Preparation Workers in Milwaukee?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. This means the $34,120 salary offers standard purchasing power, neither significantly boosting nor diminishing the real value of the income.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,240 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 6.391 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI