Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Owensboro, KY
In Owensboro, KY, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $25,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic influencing compensation in this Kentucky city. The specific pay rates are often tied to the regional economic health and the prevalence of businesses that rely heavily on this workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,460.
- Outlook: Owensboro presents a concentrated job market for Food Preparation Workers, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.66, suggesting a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 460 individuals in this sector and 9.581 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand, while concentrated, appears stable and potentially growing within its specific niche.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Owensboro, KY earns-24.4%below the national average.
$12.3
$492
$2,130
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 Owensboro, KY, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a sustained need for essential food service roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Owensboro, KY
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Owensboro typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater responsibility, skill mastery, and potentially supervisory duties, showcasing a clear path for advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,630 | $9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,170 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,930 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,950 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,460 | $16.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,560 in Owensboro, KY, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within Owensboro is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
9.581
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Owensboro, KY has 1.7x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.66, Owensboro, KY, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these roles, potentially offering more opportunities and a more competitive job market for individuals entering or established in this profession within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,530↑ 16% | 28 mi |
| Bowling Green, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,330↑ 3% | 66 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,330↓ 1% | 68 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 12% | 82 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↑ 6% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Owensboro, KY
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Owensboro, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Owensboro, KY is $25,560. This typically ranges from $18,630 for entry-level positions to $34,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Owensboro, KY is 24.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Owensboro, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $25,560 is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810 for Food Preparation Workers.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Owensboro, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Owensboro, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Evansville, IN ($29,530) and Bowling Green, KY.
How does the cost of living in Owensboro affect salary perception?
The cost of living index of 100 in Owensboro means that your $25,560 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical US city, making the lower nominal wage more palatable locally.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.66 signify for Food Preparation Workers?
A Location Quotient of 1.66 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 66% more concentrated in Owensboro, KY, than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for these services in the local economy.
How many Food Preparation Worker jobs are there per capita in Owensboro?
There are approximately 9.581 jobs per 1,000 workers for Food Preparation roles in Owensboro, KY, reflecting the sector's presence within the local labor market.
Is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Owensboro growing?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high concentration (LQ of 1.66) suggests a stable or potentially growing demand for Food Preparation Workers in Owensboro, KY, relative to national trends.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Owensboro, KY area with a job density of 9.581 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 Owensboro, KY