SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Food Preparation Workers in the North Coast Region of California's nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,770. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a potentially stronger local demand or a unique economic landscape influencing compensation. The specific pay rates in this region are often shaped by local industry needs and the availability of skilled labor.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,220.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 590 individuals in food preparation roles, the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base for these workers. The location quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, implying a consistent, steady demand rather than rapid expansion.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,770

The average Food Preparation Workers in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area earns+14.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.6

Weekly

$746

Monthly

$3,231

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise, leadership responsibilities, or specialized culinary skills. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,800$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$29,078$14
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,030$17.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,463$23.3
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,220$21.7

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,770 in the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area 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 this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to high living expenses.

Job Market Context

590

Total Jobs

5.414

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x 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.

The location quotient of 0.94 for Food Preparation Workers in the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests a competitive market where the number of available workers is closely aligned with the number of job openings, without a significant surplus or deficit of talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

Comparing salaries near North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is $38,770. This typically ranges from $33,800 for entry-level positions to $45,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 14.7% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in this region earn approximately $4,960 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially comparable or slightly better for these roles.

Is North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($40,040) and Visalia, CA.

How does the North Coast Region's food prep job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?

The location quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this region is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?

There are approximately 590 Food Preparation Workers employed in the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area.

Does the cost of living affect the salary competitiveness in this region?

No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $38,770 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does a location quotient of 0.94 signify for job seekers?

A location quotient of 0.94 suggests that the job market for Food Preparation Workers is stable and closely mirrors national employment patterns, indicating consistent opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.414 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.