Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $29,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,060.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 1,020 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region. The presence of over a thousand workers suggests a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-12.0%below the national average.
$14.3
$572
$2,479
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and shifts in consumer spending habits often lead to incremental increases in wages for service-oriented roles, though the pace of growth can vary significantly by region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
For Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, salary progression typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The variance in salaries across different experience levels, often reflected in percentile data, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,150 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,313 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,220 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,188 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,060 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,750 for Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
4.031
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.70x 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 0.7 for Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of these jobs, the market may not be saturated, and opportunities might be more dependent on specific employer needs rather than a widespread abundance of available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,590↑ 20% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,570↑ 9% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,880↑ 21% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,340↑ 22% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,050↑ 21% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $29,750. This typically ranges from $22,150 for entry-level positions to $37,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 12.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered highly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,750 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity in purchasing power.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($35,590) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $29,750, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.7, meaning Food Preparation Worker jobs are less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are approximately 1,020 Food Preparation Workers in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 4.031 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA