Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Food Preparation Workers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $34,310. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this specific metropolitan region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this slight pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,070.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 9,730 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.17, this region demonstrates a concentration of these roles that is 17% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for food preparation talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+1.5%above the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,859
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This consistent, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation is typical for roles within the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which are compensated at higher salary percentiles. The gap between the lowest and highest earners signifies opportunities for advancement, with experienced professionals commanding significantly greater annual incomes than those just starting in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,060 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,733 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,600 | $17.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,888 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,070 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,310 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
9,730
Total Jobs
6.746
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand for these skills is slightly elevated compared to other regions, potentially leading to more opportunities and competitive hiring.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,870↓ 1% | 32 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,610↓ 2% | 49 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,270↑ 6% | 49 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,970↓ 4% | 60 mi |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,230↓ 0% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $34,310. This typically ranges from $28,060 for entry-level positions to $38,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 1.5% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in this area earn $500 more annually than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national average. The higher concentration of jobs also suggests a favorable market.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($33,870) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
The job market in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is slightly more concentrated for Food Preparation Workers, with a Location Quotient of 1.17, indicating a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area is $34,310.
How does the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $34,310 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 9,730 and a Location Quotient of 1.17, the region shows a significant and slightly above-average concentration of Food Preparation Worker positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,730 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 6.746 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL