Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Morgantown, WV
Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV, earn an average annual salary of $30,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this West Virginia city. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic landscape is key to evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,430.
- Outlook: Morgantown, WV, hosts a workforce of 360 Food Preparation Workers, with a jobs-per-thousand-workers rate of 5.344. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of these roles in Morgantown is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV earns-8.4%below the national average.
$14.9
$596
$2,581
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Morgantown's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most sectors, including food preparation, ensuring that compensation generally keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the career progression opportunities available, rewarding increased expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,228 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,010 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,713 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,430 | $19.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,970 for Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Morgantown is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
5.344
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 0.93x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.93, Morgantown, WV, presents a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is closely aligned with national employment concentrations. This suggests a balanced market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, indicating a steady but competitive environment for job seekers in this role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,190↓ 9% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,640↓ 1% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,040↓ 9% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,160↓ 12% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,910↓ 10% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV is $30,970. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $41,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 8.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,970 is below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($28,190) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Morgantown, WV, is $30,970, which is approximately 8.4% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Morgantown, WV for Food Preparation Workers?
Morgantown, WV, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that everyday expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the typical US city.
How many Food Preparation Worker jobs are there in Morgantown, WV?
There are approximately 360 Food Preparation Workers employed in Morgantown, WV, representing 5.344 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Morgantown, WV?
The market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.93 indicating a concentration of jobs very close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand without being overly saturated.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 5.344 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 Morgantown, WV