Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
In South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local food service industry. The cost of living in South Bend-Mishawaka is right at the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to the national median.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,830.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in South Bend-Mishawaka, with a total workforce of 640 individuals, indicates a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate but not oversaturated demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI earns-6.4%below the national average.
$15.2
$609
$2,638
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in South Bend-Mishawaka is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer spending habits typically contribute to modest increases in wages for service industry roles, including food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, reflecting enhanced skills, efficiency, and responsibility. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential at various stages of a professional's career path.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,410 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,738 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,340 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,563 | $19 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,830 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,650 in South Bend-Mishawaka aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by a Food Preparation Worker here offers a purchasing power equivalent to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
4.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI has 0.85x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.85, the South Bend-Mishawaka market for Food Preparation Workers is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, there isn't an overwhelming surplus of these workers compared to other regions, potentially leading to a balanced job market with consistent opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Niles, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↓ 1% | 11 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,300↓ 1% | 16 mi |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,680↓ 3% | 31 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,830↑ 1% | 54 mi |
| Battle Creek, MI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 0% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is $31,650. This typically ranges from $23,410 for entry-level positions to $39,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 6.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but offers comparable purchasing power.The average salary of $31,650 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, resulting in equivalent purchasing power.
Is South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Niles, MI ($31,450) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in South Bend-Mishawaka is $31,650, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.85?
An LQ of 0.85 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in South Bend-Mishawaka compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in South Bend-Mishawaka?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), the $31,650 salary in South Bend-Mishawaka provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 640 Food Preparation Workers in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI area with a job density of 4.917 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 South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI