Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,370. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and market demand can influence compensation structures. The specific economic landscape and employer base within this area shape the prevailing wage for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,200.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers comprises approximately 680 individuals, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, employment base. With a Location Quotient of 1.22, this region shows a concentration of these jobs that is 22% higher than the national average. This suggests a consistent demand for food preparation services that outpaces the general distribution of jobs nationwide, pointing to a robust local market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area earns-7.2%below the national average.
$15.1
$603
$2,614
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northeast Nebraska 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 for most occupations, including food preparation. Therefore, professionals in this field likely have experienced modest but positive salary progression.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential of Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these differences, with senior roles occupying the upper percentiles, signifying clear career progression pathways.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,720 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,528 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,220 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,213 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,200 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,370 in Northeast Nebraska aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, the take-home pay effectively matches what a worker would experience in a typical U.S. location, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
7.022
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that Food Preparation Worker roles are more concentrated in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for these services within the region compared to other job sectors. While not indicative of a hyper-competitive market, it points to a healthy and stable job environment where these positions are valued and consistently available.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,540↑ 4% | 15 mi |
| Lincoln, NE Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,260↑ 6% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is $31,370. This typically ranges from $25,720 for entry-level positions to $36,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 7.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Food Preparation Workers is slightly below the national benchmark. The higher concentration of jobs suggests stable demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Grand Island, NE ($32,540) and Lincoln, NE.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Nebraska is $31,370, which is approximately $2,440 less than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.22 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.22 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 22% more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a relatively stronger local demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
No, the local cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $31,370 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this region?
There are approximately 680 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.022 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 Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area