Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
In the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,760. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized centers. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,230.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia numbers approximately 350 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. The presence of 4.628 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these roles within the community's service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-20.9%below the national average.
$12.9
$515
$2,230
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southern West Virginia is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of modest salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Economic recovery and evolving consumer habits likely contribute to incremental increases, though regional disparities may temper the pace of advancement compared to national averages.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
For Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia, salary progression typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary skills and supervisory experience can command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as workers advance through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,800 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,070 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,450 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,230 | $16.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia stands at $26,760. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index, which is precisely at the national average of 100, this salary suggests that the purchasing power of earnings in this region is on par with the national standard. However, the lower nominal wage means that while costs are average, the absolute amount earned is less than the national average.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.628
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.80x 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 0.8 for Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia indicates that the concentration of these jobs is 20% lower than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the job market is not significantly saturated, nor is it exceptionally competitive. There is a steady demand, but perhaps fewer specialized opportunities compared to areas with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,720↑ 30% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,250↑ 24% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↑ 19% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,410↑ 21% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↑ 13% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $26,760. This typically ranges from $20,800 for entry-level positions to $34,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 20.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southern West Virginia 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 $26,760 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the absolute earnings are diminished.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($34,720) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Southern West Virginia earn an average of $26,760 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job concentration like for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.8, indicating that there are fewer Food Preparation Worker jobs relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average. This means the $26,760 salary has average purchasing power, but the lower nominal wage is still a key factor.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this region?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is approximately 350 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.628 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 West Virginia nonmetropolitan area