Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Food Preparation Workers in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL area earn an average annual salary of $32,830. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the Florida market. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone in or considering this profession in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,490.
- Outlook: The Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville region supports a substantial workforce of 2,270 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.63, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL earns-2.9%below the national average.
$15.8
$631
$2,736
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential, though the pace of growth may vary.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise and responsibility within the field. The gap between entry-level and senior pay often signifies significant opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,623 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,950 | $15.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,038 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,490 | $19.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,830 in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
2,270
Total Jobs
9.386
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL 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 1.63 for Food Preparation Workers in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville signifies a market where this profession is notably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general population, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,850↑ 6% | 17 mi |
| Port St. Lucie, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,040↑ 7% | 50 mi |
| Sebring, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,230↓ 2% | 59 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,870↑ 3% | 59 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,610↑ 2% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is $32,830. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $40,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is 2.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but it's competitive.While the average salary of $32,830 is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.63) indicates strong local demand and a competitive market for these roles.
Is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL ($34,850) and Port St. Lucie, FL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL is $32,830, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.63 mean for job seekers?
An LQ of 1.63 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 63% more concentrated in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville area than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and potentially more job availability relative to other professions.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $32,830 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it neither stretches further nor falls short compared to national standards.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are approximately 2,270 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,270 employees in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL area with a job density of 9.386 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 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL