Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for these roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region directly influence the compensation offered to food preparation professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 48.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,820.
- Outlook: The food preparation sector in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 520 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. The presence of 4.428 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit modest, demand for food preparation talent within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-11.0%below the national average.
$14.5
$579
$2,508
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southwest Virginia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for businesses, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental salary increases for most positions, including food preparation roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation Worker profession, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior roles occupying the upper percentiles, indicating substantial earning potential for those who advance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,568 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,280 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,613 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,820 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering relocation to the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, the average annual salary of $30,090 aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
4.428
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.77x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.77 for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan area indicates that the industry is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific local establishments rather than a broad industry presence. It implies a moderate level of competition, with demand being relatively stable.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,720↑ 15% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,250↑ 11% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,840↑ 6% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,410↑ 8% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,220↑ 0% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $30,090. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $35,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 11.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,090 is below the national average, and the job concentration is also slightly lower than the national benchmark.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($34,720) and Richmond, VA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $30,090, which is $3,720 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed in this region?
There are approximately 520 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
With a Location Quotient of 0.77, the demand is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.428 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 Virginia nonmetropolitan area