Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
In the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $29,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower demand for these roles in less urbanized regions. Factors such as the cost of doing business and the overall economic activity in nonmetropolitan areas often influence wage scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in this Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,000 individuals. The location quotient of 0.88 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand. With 5.072 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of these roles is consistent with the area's economic structure.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-13.6%below the national average.
$14.1
$562
$2,435
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This incremental rise would likely aim to keep pace with the cost of living and attract a consistent pool of workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
For Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana, career progression typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or supervisory roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed, the gap between starting wages and those earned by senior staff would signify increased responsibility, skill acquisition, and a higher earning potential, reflecting a standard career trajectory within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,390 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,915 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,830 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,525 | $17.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,990 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,220 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,000
Total Jobs
5.072
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.88x 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 0.88, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while these positions are present and necessary, they do not represent an unusually dominant sector of employment compared to other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, suggesting a balanced supply and demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,830↑ 12% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,980↑ 6% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,750↑ 5% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,320↑ 7% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,700↑ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $29,220. This typically ranges from $21,390 for entry-level positions to $36,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 13.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average annual salary of $29,220 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This suggests that while expenses are comparable, the earning potential is diminished.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($32,830) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Southern Indiana is $29,220, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Southern Indiana compared to the nation?
The cost of living in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, measured by the location quotient, is 0.88, slightly below the national average of 1.0.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 1,000 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers in the Southern Indiana 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 1,000 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.072 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area