Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Texas
Food Preparation Workers in Texas earn an average annual salary of $30,140, which is below the national average of $33,810. This difference is influenced by various regional economic factors, including the overall demand for these services and the prevailing wage scales within the state's diverse culinary landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,860.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 106,040 individuals, the demand for Food Preparation Workers in Texas is evident. The location quotient of 1.33 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for these essential positions within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Texas earns-10.9%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,512
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Texas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and adjustments to minimum wage laws likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Texas
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Texas typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which are compensated at higher salary percentiles. The gap between the lowest and highest earners signifies opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential through acquired skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,040 | $10.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,605 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,660 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,675 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,860 | $18.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,409
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $30,140 in Texas presents a favorable financial situation when considering the state's cost of living index of 93. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Texas is slightly higher than the national average, allowing for a better standard of living relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
106,040
Total Jobs
7.658
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Texas has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.33 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Texas than the national average. This suggests a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these roles within the state's economy, indicating a competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for those in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Killeen-Temple, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,820↓ 8% | 10 mi |
| Waco, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,070↓ 7% | 41 mi |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,280↑ 10% | 53 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,060↓ 7% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Texas
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Texas is $30,140. This typically ranges from $22,040 for entry-level positions to $38,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 10.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Texas offers a good value for Food Preparation Workers.While the nominal salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living means your earnings stretch further. The strong concentration of these jobs also indicates consistent demand.
Is Texas a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($27,820) and Waco, TX.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Texas is $30,140, which is approximately $3,670 less than the national average of $33,810.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.33 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Texas?
A location quotient of 1.33 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 33% more concentrated in Texas than the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence and demand for these roles in the state.
How does the cost of living in Texas affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
With a cost of living index of 93 (100 being the national average), Texas is more affordable than the national average. This means the $30,140 salary provides a relatively higher purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Texas?
There are approximately 106,040 Food Preparation Workers employed in Texas, reflecting a significant presence in the state's labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 106,040 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 7.658 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 Texas