Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in State College, PA
In State College, PA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this Pennsylvania locale. Understanding these regional nuances is key for professionals in the food service industry.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,580.
- Outlook: The State College, PA market for Food Preparation Workers shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 270 individuals. The location quotient of 0.67 indicates that this role is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA earns-7.6%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,604
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for State College, PA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers nationwide have seen gradual growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased minimum wages, and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to State College, with potential for modest salary increases reflecting broader economic conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA, typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more experienced or supervisory positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's common for senior roles to command higher salaries, with significant gaps between entry-level and experienced worker pay reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,440 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,438 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,010 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,063 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,580 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,250 in State College, PA, aligns directly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
3.883
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 0.67x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.67, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may not be as saturated, potentially offering a more competitive environment for job seekers looking to enter or advance within the industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,360↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,060↓ 13% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,860↓ 11% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,490↓ 15% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,110↓ 10% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA is $31,250. This typically ranges from $23,440 for entry-level positions to $37,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 7.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $31,250 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is on par, the compensation does not offer a significant financial advantage.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($29,360) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA, is $31,250, which is approximately 7.6% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in State College, PA?
An LQ of 0.67 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in State College, PA, compared to the national average. This suggests a moderate level of demand relative to the national distribution of these roles.
How does the Cost of Living in State College, PA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, State College, PA, matches the national average. Therefore, the slightly lower salary of $31,250 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither significantly higher nor lower in real terms.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in State College, PA?
There are approximately 270 Food Preparation Workers employed in the State College, PA area, representing a localized workforce within the broader food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 3.883 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 State College, PA