Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
In the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,060. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape of this region significantly influences compensation levels for these essential service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,120.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 individuals in this role, the Food Preparation Worker sector in Northern West Virginia is moderately sized. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market. The presence of 4.363 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent, albeit not overwhelming, demand within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.0%below the national average.
$13
$520
$2,255
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Food Preparation Workers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and shifts in consumer spending habits likely contributed to modest increases in compensation, though regional disparities may mean growth rates vary.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
For Food Preparation Workers in Northern West Virginia, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify the opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as workers gain expertise and take on more demanding roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,295 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,670 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,825 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,120 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,060 in Northern West Virginia 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. Therefore, the $27,060 salary offers a comparable standard of living to what $33,810 might provide in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
4.363
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.76x 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 0.76 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less prevalent in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, but also that the demand might be more localized and potentially less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration of these roles. Employers may find a steady pool of candidates without intense competition for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,720↑ 28% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,250↑ 23% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↑ 18% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,410↑ 20% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↑ 12% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $27,060. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $35,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $27,060 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($34,720) and Richmond, VA.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northern West Virginia is $27,060, which is notably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Northern West Virginia?
The Cost of Living Index in Northern West Virginia is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning prices for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this region?
The Location Quotient is 0.76, indicating that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are approximately 630 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northern West Virginia 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 630 employees in the Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.363 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 Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area