Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Food Preparation Workers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area earn an average annual salary of $34,410. This figure is slightly above the national average of $33,810, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this modest pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,030.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 11,110 Food Preparation Workers, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of workers indicates a stable and active job market for food preparation professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+1.8%above the national average.
$16.5
$662
$2,868
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in this field within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers typically expands significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as workers gain expertise and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,100 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,808 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,280 | $16 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,013 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,030 | $21.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,410 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
11,110
Total Jobs
3.874
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.67x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are less concentrated in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there may be moderate competition for available positions, and the demand is present but not exceptionally high relative to other industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,310↑ 6% | 28 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,060↑ 2% | 35 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,570↓ 5% | 47 mi |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,390↓ 0% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,790↓ 8% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $34,410. This typically ranges from $28,100 for entry-level positions to $44,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 1.8% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, negating any substantial increase in real earnings.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($36,310) and Vineland, NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $34,410, which is slightly higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
The Cost of Living Index for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers is 0.67, indicating a lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area?
There are approximately 11,110 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington 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 11,110 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 3.874 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD