Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. The localized pay reflects the economic landscape and specific labor market dynamics of this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,850.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 individuals in this role, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area appears stable, albeit not highly concentrated. The location quotient of 0.62 suggests a slightly lower prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a moderate demand that aligns with the regional economic structure.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-8.6%below the national average.
$14.9
$594
$2,575
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in nonmetropolitan areas like Northwest Virginia have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, shifts in local demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain staff in a competitive labor environment.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which often command higher salaries. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range in such roles can see significant increases, with experienced professionals potentially earning 20-30% more than their less experienced counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,100 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,175 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,800 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,625 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,850 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,900 in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for those considering relocation or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
3.6
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.62x 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 0.62 for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area indicates that this occupation is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, potentially offering opportunities for dedicated individuals, but also implying a less robust overall demand compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,720↑ 12% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,250↑ 8% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,410↑ 5% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↓ 2% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $30,900. This typically ranges from $26,100 for entry-level positions to $35,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 8.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $30,900 is below the national average, and the location quotient suggests a lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national landscape.
Is Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($34,720) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $30,900, which is $2,910 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this region?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, indicated by a location quotient of 0.62, is lower than the national average, suggesting fewer jobs per worker relative to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are approximately 240 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwest 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 240 employees in the Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.6 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 Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area