Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,490. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure compared to more urbanized areas. The localized demand and economic landscape significantly influence compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,210.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 620 individuals in food preparation roles, the market in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand that aligns with the region's overall economic profile.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-21.7%below the national average.
$12.7
$509
$2,208
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across nonmetropolitan areas have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain workforce stability.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility, such as shift supervision or specialized culinary tasks. Salary increases are often tied to years of experience and demonstrated skill proficiency, with noticeable percentile gaps indicating opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential as workers gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,300 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,868 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,113 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,210 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,490 in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that expenses for essential goods and services are also at the national average.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
4.421
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Southwestern Pennsylvania 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.77 for Food Preparation Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, they are not disproportionately abundant compared to other industries within the region, implying a steady but not overly competitive job market for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,570↑ 12% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,250↑ 18% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,290↑ 29% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,710↑ 20% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,360↑ 15% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $26,490. This typically ranges from $17,300 for entry-level positions to $36,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 21.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,490 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($29,570) and State College, PA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Food Preparation Workers in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan areas earn an average of $26,490 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in this region?
The region has a Location Quotient of 0.77, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the $26,490 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,490 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are approximately 620 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Southwestern Pennsylvania 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 620 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.421 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area