Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
In the Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $27,060. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas. The cost of living in this region, however, aligns with the national average, suggesting a different value proposition for these earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,240.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 750 individuals in food preparation roles, the job market in Northwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, environment. The Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate level of demand that is relatively in line with the general workforce distribution.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern Pennsylvania 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 precise region and role is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the United States have seen modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and a baseline increase in minimum wage laws. This trend likely extends to Northwestern Pennsylvania, though the rate of increase may be tempered by local economic conditions and the overall demand for food service labor.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as lead cook or kitchen supervisor. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase significantly, with senior-level positions commanding higher pay. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this upward mobility and the value placed on seasoned professionals.
| 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) | $20,295 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,690 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,825 | $16.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
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 Northwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, as the cost of essential goods and services is not elevated.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
5
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x 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 0.87 for Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the region, meaning the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally competitive for new entrants compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,570↑ 9% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,250↑ 15% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,290↑ 27% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 17% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,360↑ 12% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $27,060. This typically ranges from $17,300 for entry-level positions to $36,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 20.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $27,060 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwestern 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?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $27,060, which is notably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
The region has a Location Quotient of 0.87, indicating a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
The local Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $27,060 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national wage average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this area?
There are approximately 750 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwestern 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 750 employees in the Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5 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 Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area