Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Paducah, KY-IL
In Paducah, KY-IL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $25,990. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,910.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 460 individuals in food preparation roles, Paducah presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 1.58 suggests a higher-than-average concentration of these jobs relative to the national landscape, implying a steady demand for food preparation talent in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Paducah, KY-IL earns-23.1%below the national average.
$12.5
$500
$2,166
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a potentially stable or slightly increasing earning potential for those in this field within Paducah.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Paducah, KY-IL
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Paducah typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the local food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,560 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,493 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,200 | $11.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,488 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,910 | $16.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,990 in Paducah aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
9.118
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Paducah, KY-IL has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.58 for Food Preparation Workers in Paducah signifies a market that is 58% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust local demand for these roles, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,390↑ 17% | 53 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↑ 5% | 80 mi |
| Evansville, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,530↑ 14% | 88 mi |
| Owensboro, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↓ 2% | 96 mi |
| Jackson, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,610↑ 6% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near Paducah, KY-IL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Paducah, KY-IL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Paducah, KY-IL is $25,990. This typically ranges from $18,560 for entry-level positions to $34,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Paducah, KY-IL is 23.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but cost of living is average.The average salary of $25,990 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Paducah, KY-IL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah, KY-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Paducah, KY-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cape Girardeau, MO-IL ($30,390) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 9.118 jobs per 1,000 workers, Paducah shows a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker roles compared to the national average, reinforcing the significant presence of this occupation locally.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.58 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are more prevalent in Paducah than the national average. This suggests a potentially favorable job market with more opportunities for those seeking employment in this sector.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Paducah is $25,990, which is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810.
Is the cost of living in Paducah higher or lower than the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in Paducah is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
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 Paducah, KY-IL area with a job density of 9.118 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 Paducah, KY-IL