Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Salem, OR
Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR, earn an average annual salary of $36,910, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This localized pay advantage is often influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Salem metropolitan area, reflecting a premium for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,940.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 1.12, Salem, OR, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for food preparation services within the region, indicating a robust job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR earns+9.2%above the national average.
$17.7
$710
$3,076
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR, have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive trajectory for earning potential in this role.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Salem, OR
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting the value of accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,780 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,683 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,138 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,940 | $21.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,910 in Salem, OR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
6.473
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Salem, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 12% more concentrated in Salem, OR, than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive or abundant job market for these roles, potentially offering more opportunities but also implying a need for skilled individuals to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,160↓ 2% | 21 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,120↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,720↑ 5% | 44 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,920↓ 8% | 53 mi |
| Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,360↓ 7% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Salem, OR
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Salem, OR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR is $36,910. This typically ranges from $30,780 for entry-level positions to $44,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 9.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR, earn approximately $3,000 more annually than their national counterparts. While the cost of living is average, the higher nominal salary offers a modest financial benefit.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($36,160) and Corvallis, OR.
What is the average hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR?
Based on the average annual salary of $36,910 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR, is around $17.74.
How does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR?
Experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level positions typically pay less, while experienced workers with specialized skills or supervisory roles can earn considerably more, reflecting a clear career progression path.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Salem, OR?
With a Location Quotient of 1.12, Salem, OR, has a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs than the national average, suggesting a healthy number of opportunities within the local market.
How does Salem, OR's cost of living compare to other cities for Food Preparation Workers?
Salem, OR, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that while salaries are higher, the cost of goods and services is also on par with the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 6.473 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 Salem, OR