Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape and demand within this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 Food Preparation Workers, the job market in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area shows a stable presence. The location quotient of 1.07 indicates a concentration of these jobs slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the region. This steady employment base provides a reliable environment for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-16.9%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,343
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in this 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. Increases in the cost of goods and services typically necessitate upward adjustments in wages to maintain purchasing power for workers in the food preparation sector.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory duties can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,300 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,083 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,010 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,138 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,570 | $17.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,110 in Northeastern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national standard, making the region's affordability a key factor in real income.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
6.14
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.07 for Food Preparation Workers in this nonmetropolitan area suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy, stable demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, implying that the job market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,570↑ 5% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,250↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,290↑ 22% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 13% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,360↑ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $28,110. This typically ranges from $17,300 for entry-level positions to $36,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 16.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,110 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($29,570) and State College, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in this nonmetropolitan area earn $28,110 annually, which is $5,700 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs in this area?
The location quotient is 1.07, meaning there are slightly more Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita here than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the local salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 790 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northeastern Pennsylvania 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 790 employees in the Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.14 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area