Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Missoula, MT
Food Preparation Workers in Missoula, MT, earn an average annual salary of $33,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a minor pay differential. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Missoula's culinary sector likely contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,560.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 350 individuals in this role, Missoula presents a moderately sized employment landscape for Food Preparation Workers. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests that the concentration of these workers in Missoula is very close to the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand that aligns with broader national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Missoula, MT earns-1.4%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,778
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Missoula is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for dedicated professionals in this field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Missoula, MT
The career path for Food Preparation Workers typically involves progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with significant percentile gaps often signifying the transition to supervisory or specialized culinary functions, reflecting increased responsibility and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,570 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,005 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,440 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,675 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,560 | $20.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,340 in Missoula, MT, 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 Missoula is equivalent to that of the average worker nationwide, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
5.246
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Missoula, MT has 0.91x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Missoula has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and demand is present, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Helena, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,690↓ 5% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Missoula, MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Missoula, MT?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Missoula, MT is $33,340. This typically ranges from $26,570 for entry-level positions to $42,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Missoula, MT is 1.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Missoula, MT a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Missoula, MT is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $33,340 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there are no significant financial advantages to working in this role in Missoula compared to other areas.
Is Missoula, MT a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Missoula, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Missoula, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Helena, MT ($31,690) and others.
How does Missoula's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Missoula earn an average of $33,340 annually, which is slightly less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Missoula, MT?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating a slightly lower presence of these workers in Missoula compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Missoula affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
The cost of living in Missoula is at the national average (100), meaning the $33,340 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Missoula, MT?
There are approximately 350 Food Preparation Workers employed in Missoula, MT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Missoula, MT area with a job density of 5.246 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 Missoula, MT