Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in St. Joseph, MO-KS
In St. Joseph, MO-KS, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,730. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of the St. Joseph area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,730.
- Outlook: The St. Joseph, MO-KS area supports a local workforce of 260 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the region. The presence of 4.833 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, need for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS earns-9.1%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,561
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Joseph, MO-KS is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages across most sectors, including food service, as businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in St. Joseph, MO-KS
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile salary data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and those earned by experienced or supervisory staff generally widens with increased responsibility and demonstrated skill, reflecting a clear career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,700 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,048 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,413 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,730 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,730 in St. Joseph, MO-KS aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal salary effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
4.833
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
St. Joseph, MO-KS has 0.84x 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 0.84 for Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS indicates that the job market for this role is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be a dominant industry in the local economy, potentially leading to a balanced job market with moderate competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,190↑ 8% | 47 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,540↓ 1% | 60 mi |
| Topeka, KS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,120↑ 1% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Joseph, MO-KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS is $30,730. This typically ranges from $26,700 for entry-level positions to $36,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 9.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is St. Joseph, MO-KS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,730 is below the national average, although the Cost of Living is on par with the national average. This means earning potential is somewhat limited relative to national benchmarks.
Is St. Joseph, MO-KS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Joseph, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas City, MO-KS ($33,190) and Lawrence, KS.
How does the St. Joseph salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS is $30,730, which is approximately $3,080 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Joseph, MO-KS is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS is approximately 260 individuals.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in St. Joseph, MO-KS?
With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of Food Preparation Workers is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles in the local market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the St. Joseph, MO-KS area with a job density of 4.833 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 St. Joseph, MO-KS