Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Richmond, VA
In Richmond, VA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $33,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation. While the difference is marginal, it reflects the specific economic conditions within the Richmond metropolitan area for this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,870.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation Worker job market in Richmond, VA, is supported by a local workforce of 2,250 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.6, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the jobs exist, they are not disproportionately concentrated compared to other occupations. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for food preparation services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA earns-1.7%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,771
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Richmond is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries in this sector have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for prepared foods likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation for these essential workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA, typically expands with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,610 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,938 | $12 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,560 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,563 | $20 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,870 | $19.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $33,250 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the nominal income in Richmond, VA, for Food Preparation Workers aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the financial experience for a worker in Richmond will be similar to that of a worker in a typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
2,250
Total Jobs
3.439
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 0.60x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.6 for Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not saturated with these professionals, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions. While not a high-demand hotspot, the market appears stable for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,060↓ 19% | 41 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,090↓ 10% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,900↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,760↓ 20% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA is $33,250. This typically ranges from $27,610 for entry-level positions to $39,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 1.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Richmond, VA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $33,250 is slightly below the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard. The below-average Location Quotient also suggests a less concentrated demand for these roles.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($30,690) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Richmond salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA, is $33,250, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Richmond, VA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.6, meaning there are fewer Food Preparation Workers per capita in Richmond compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Richmond?
Richmond's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $33,250 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Richmond?
There are approximately 2,250 Food Preparation Workers in the Richmond, VA workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,250 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 3.439 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 Richmond, VA