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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tucson, AZ

Food Preparation Workers in Tucson, AZ, earn an average annual salary of $34,670, slightly surpassing the national average of $33,810. This marginal advantage is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the hospitality and food service sectors in the Tucson metropolitan area. The concentration of these roles within the local workforce also plays a part in shaping compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,510.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,460 Food Preparation Workers, Tucson demonstrates a solid presence in this sector. The location quotient of 1.1 indicates that this role is slightly more concentrated in Tucson than the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,670

The average Food Preparation Workers in Tucson, AZ earns+2.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.7

Weekly

$667

Monthly

$2,889

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, often with increased responsibilities and specialized skills. Salary typically scales with experience, with senior workers commanding higher pay than those just starting out. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,400$14.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$26,003$12.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,430$16.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,338$20.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,510$18

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,670

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,670 in Tucson aligns perfectly with the national cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Tucson is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

2,460

Total Jobs

6.364

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Tucson, AZ has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.

A location quotient of 1.1 for Food Preparation Workers in Tucson suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present and potentially growing, offering opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,360↓ 4%53 mi

Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Tucson, AZ is $34,670. This typically ranges from $30,400 for entry-level positions to $37,510 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 2.5% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, slightly more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Tucson earn an average of $34,670 annually, which is above the national average of $33,810. The cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable nationwide.

Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($33,360) and others.

What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Tucson, AZ?

The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Tucson, AZ is $34,670.

How does Tucson's salary for this role compare to the national average?

Tucson's average salary of $34,670 is slightly higher than the national average of $33,810.

What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ?

The cost of living index in Tucson, AZ is 100, which is the national average.

How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Tucson compared to the rest of the US?

Tucson has a location quotient of 1.1 for Food Preparation Workers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than 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 2,460 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 6.364 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 Tucson, AZ