Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Reading, PA
In Reading, Pennsylvania, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,790. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these local nuances is crucial for anyone considering a career in food preparation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,060.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 700 individuals in food preparation roles, Reading, PA, presents a moderately sized employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in Reading compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these workers.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA earns-6.0%below the national average.
$15.3
$611
$2,649
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Reading, PA, is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers, mirroring national trends, have likely seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA, typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are compensated at higher rates. The salary distribution, with higher percentiles earning more than the average, signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on experience, skill, and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,230 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,843 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,400 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,738 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,060 | $18.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,790 in Reading, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Reading is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for these professionals.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
4.072
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.71x 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 0.71 for Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA, suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average. This implies that while opportunities exist, the market may not be saturated, offering a competitive environment where skilled workers can find stable employment without facing overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,360↓ 4% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,550↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,570↑ 2% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,410↑ 8% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,070↓ 5% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA is $31,790. This typically ranges from $22,230 for entry-level positions to $39,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 6.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,790 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($30,360) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the Reading, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA, is $31,790, which is approximately $2,020 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA?
The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Reading, PA, compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Reading, PA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $31,790 salary in Reading offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Reading, PA?
There are approximately 700 Food Preparation Workers employed in Reading, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 4.072 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 Reading, PA