Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Roanoke, VA
In Roanoke, VA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Roanoke plays a significant role in shaping the earning potential for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,150.
- Outlook: The Roanoke, VA job market for Food Preparation Workers shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 450 individuals. The location quotient of 0.51 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Roanoke compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding demand. With 2.966 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers a consistent, albeit not booming, opportunity for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Roanoke, VA earns-9.8%below the national average.
$14.7
$586
$2,541
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most sectors, including food preparation. Therefore, professionals in this role likely have experienced modest but steady salary appreciation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Roanoke, VA, typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as workers gain skills and take on more responsibility within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,560 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,868 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,240 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,113 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,150 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Roanoke, VA, the average salary of $30,490 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents. While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
2.966
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 0.51x 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.
Roanoke, VA's location quotient of 0.51 for Food Preparation Workers suggests that the job market is less saturated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry in the local economy. For job seekers, this could mean a less competitive environment for finding employment, but also potentially fewer opportunities compared to more concentrated national markets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,570↓ 3% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↓ 1% | 43 mi |
| Beckley, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,930↓ 15% | 76 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↑ 4% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,690↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Roanoke, VA is $30,490. This typically ranges from $25,560 for entry-level positions to $37,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 9.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Roanoke, VA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,490 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($29,570) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's cost of living compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Roanoke, VA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Roanoke is equivalent to the national average.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Roanoke compared to the rest of the US?
The location quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Roanoke is 0.51, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in this area than the national average. This suggests a lower relative demand or presence of these jobs in Roanoke.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Roanoke, VA?
There are approximately 450 Food Preparation Workers employed in Roanoke, VA, making up a portion of the local workforce.
What is the average number of Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Roanoke?
In Roanoke, VA, there are about 2.966 jobs for Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in the general labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 2.966 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 Roanoke, VA