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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $34,350, slightly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This marginal difference suggests that local economic factors and demand within the St. Louis metropolitan area are influencing compensation for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,510.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,650 Food Preparation Workers, St. Louis presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.86 indicates a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,350

The average Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis, MO-IL earns+1.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.5

Weekly

$661

Monthly

$2,863

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value of their expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,900$13.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,763$12.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,940$16.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$42,938$20.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$39,510$19

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,350

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,350 in St. Louis aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in St. Louis is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

6,650

Total Jobs

4.967

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.86x 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 0.86 for Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis suggests that the occupation is present in the area at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where job availability is consistent, but perhaps not as saturated as in regions with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Springfield, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,320↓ 3%84 mi
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Food Preparation Workers Salary$30,390↓ 12%97 mi

Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $34,350. This typically ranges from $28,900 for entry-level positions to $39,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 1.6% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis earn an average of $34,350 annually, which is above the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this offers a stable financial standing for these professionals.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($33,320) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.

What is the average salary for Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $34,350.

How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in St. Louis ($34,350) is slightly higher than the national average ($33,810).

What is the cost of living in St. Louis compared to the national average?

St. Louis has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in St. Louis?

The concentration of Food Preparation Workers in St. Louis, indicated by a location quotient of 0.86, is slightly below the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,650 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 4.967 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in St. Louis, MO-IL