Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,650. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business in nonmetropolitan settings influence compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 560 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 1.22, the demand for these professionals in Southwest Missouri's nonmetropolitan areas is slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market where the concentration of these roles suggests consistent employment opportunities for those entering or already established in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-12.3%below the national average.
$14.3
$570
$2,471
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 Southwest Missouri's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This steady, albeit modest, upward trajectory is typical for roles in nonmetropolitan regions, reflecting incremental adjustments to wages in response to economic conditions and labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience, moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and those earned by seasoned professionals signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the potential for increased earning capacity within the field.
| 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) | $22,238 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,100 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,063 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,650 in Southwest Missouri'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 maintained locally, making the financial aspect of living in this region comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
7.045
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.22 for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Missouri's nonmetropolitan area signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, offering a slight advantage to job seekers due to the relative abundance of these positions within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,930↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,780↑ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $29,650. 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 Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 12.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Food Preparation Workers is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific nonmetropolitan region.
Is Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 560 suggests a stable but not overly saturated market, indicating consistent opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Missouri's nonmetropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.22 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.22 means Food Preparation Worker jobs are more concentrated here than the national average, implying a slightly stronger demand relative to the general population.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $29,650 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,650 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in this area?
With 7.045 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Food Preparation Worker roles is substantial, indicating a healthy presence of these positions within the local labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.045 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 Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area