Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Food Preparation Workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $38,720. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $33,810, suggesting a localized premium for these essential roles. Factors such as regional demand and the cost of doing business likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,500.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area supports a substantial workforce of 7,720 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling a robust and stable demand for culinary support professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+14.5%above the national average.
$18.6
$745
$3,227
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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-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, reflecting the broader percentile gaps observed in the field.
| 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) | $29,040 | $14 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,270 | $17.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,400 | $23.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,500 | $21.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,720 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that while pay is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage or advantage.
Job Market Context
7,720
Total Jobs
6.36
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Food Preparation Workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro suggests that the job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for these roles, making it a competitive but accessible market for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for employment in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,910↓ 5% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $37,840↓ 2% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,160↓ 7% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,120↓ 9% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,920↓ 12% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $38,720. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $45,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 14.5% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.Food Preparation Workers in this area earn approximately $4,910 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the location financially favorable.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($36,910) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earn an average of $38,720 annually, which is $4,910 higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Location Quotient is 1.1, indicating that jobs for Food Preparation Workers are slightly more concentrated in this region compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro translates directly to equivalent purchasing power compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area?
There are approximately 7,720 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 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 7,720 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 6.36 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA