Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
In the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. The localized economic conditions and demand within this specific region are key factors contributing to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,710.
- Outlook: The Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 970 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-11.6%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,492
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that over the past four years, salaries for Food Preparation Workers in nonmetropolitan areas like Southeast Missouri have experienced modest growth, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen nationally.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. Salary data often shows a significant gap between the lower percentiles (entry-level) and the higher percentiles (experienced or supervisory), indicating clear opportunities for increased earnings with acquired skills and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,425 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,300 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,375 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,900 in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average due to the balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
5.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly more concentrated in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, stable market with demand that meets or slightly exceeds the general distribution of the workforce, implying a competitive but accessible job landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,930↑ 0% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,780↑ 3% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $29,900. This typically ranges from $26,140 for entry-level positions to $35,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 11.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,900 is below the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($29,930) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 970 indicates a substantial number of individuals employed in this role, suggesting a consistent demand for food preparation services within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.03 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient slightly above 1.0 suggests that this region has a slightly higher proportion of Food Preparation Worker jobs relative to the national average, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
How does experience impact Food Preparation Worker salaries in this area?
While specific local data isn't detailed, typically, more experienced Food Preparation Workers command higher salaries, with significant increases seen from entry-level to senior or supervisory roles.
Is the cost of living a significant factor for Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Missouri?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the cost of living is average nationally. This means the $29,900 salary offers average purchasing power, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.935 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 Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area