Food Preparation Workers in the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) earn an average annual salary of $29,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower demand for these roles in less populated, non-urbanized regions. The unique economic drivers and cost structures of such areas often influence wage levels for service-oriented positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,690.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 950 individuals in this specific role, the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) presents a modest employment base for Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates a lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market is not as saturated as in metropolitan hubs. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) earns-13.0%below the national average.
$14.1
$566
$2,452
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments. Food preparation roles, being essential services, typically see incremental wage increases to keep pace with the cost of living and to attract and retain staff, even in less densely populated regions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
For Food Preparation Workers, salary progression is typically tied to experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary training, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and dedication within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,065 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,775 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,690 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,420 in the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the value of this income.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
3.818
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) has 0.66x 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 0.66 signifies that Food Preparation Worker positions are less concentrated in the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) than the national average. This suggests a less competitive market in terms of job availability relative to the workforce size, potentially offering more stability for those already employed in the area but fewer opportunities for rapid expansion or high demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mansfield, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,280↑ 6% | 29 mi |
| Columbus, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,620↑ 18% | 32 mi |
| Springfield, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,120↑ 6% | 63 mi |
| Sandusky, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,870↑ 8% | 73 mi |
| Lima, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,130↑ 2% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) is $29,420. This typically ranges from $23,420 for entry-level positions to $35,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) is 13.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $29,420 is significantly lower than the national average, and the concentration of jobs is also below the national benchmark.
Is North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mansfield, OH ($31,280) and Columbus, OH.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Food Preparation Workers in this Ohio region is $29,420, which is $4,390 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in this area?
The Cost of Living Index for the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in this region?
There are approximately 950 Food Preparation Workers employed in the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous).
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the demand is lower than the national average, indicating a less concentrated job market for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) area with a job density of 3.818 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- All Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Production Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Management Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)
- Browse All Jobs in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous)