Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Food Preparation Workers in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn an average annual salary of $40,360, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often driven by local economic factors and a slightly higher demand for these essential roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 770 individuals in food preparation roles, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater demonstrates a stable employment base for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is just slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy and consistent demand that aligns with broader national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+19.4%above the national average.
$19.4
$776
$3,363
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles that are fundamental to the service industry, especially in areas with a steady cost of living.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay reflect this career ladder, rewarding dedication and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,270 | $14.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,810 | $18.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,450 | $24.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,610 | $23.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,360 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
6.062
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.05 for Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust demand for these professionals, making the market competitive but also offering ample opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,390↑ 0% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,840↑ 6% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $37,840↓ 6% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,150↓ 3% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,500↓ 5% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $40,360. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $48,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 19.4% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Food Preparation Workers in this area earn approximately $6,550 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially favorable.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($40,390) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $40,360, which is $6,550 higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.05, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is slightly higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the higher salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater offers equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the area?
There are approximately 770 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 6.062 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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA