SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

In the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting. The localized pay reflects the unique economic landscape of the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 580 individuals in food preparation roles, the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the occupation is present, it is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a moderate demand that aligns with the workforce size.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,770

The average Food Preparation Workers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-6.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.3

Weekly

$611

Monthly

$2,648

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range indicates that experienced professionals can expect to earn significantly more than those just starting out, with the gap between lower and higher earners reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,120$14
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,828$11.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,950$14.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,713$19.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,130$16.9

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $31,770 in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Food Preparation Workers in this region holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment where wages are in line with everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

580

Total Jobs

4.159

Per 1K Jobs

0.72

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Food Preparation Workers in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area indicates that this occupation is slightly less prevalent here compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area, presenting a steady, rather than intensely competitive, employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

Comparing salaries near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $31,770. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 6.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $31,770 is below the national average, and the occupation's concentration is also lower than the national benchmark.

Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,210) and Decatur, IL.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $31,770, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.

What is the cost of living in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?

The Cost of Living Index for South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in this area?

The job market for Food Preparation Workers is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.72.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in this region?

There are approximately 580 Food Preparation Workers in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.159 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.