Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Virgin Islands
Food Preparation Workers in the Virgin Islands earn an average annual salary of $28,830, which is notably lower than the national average of $33,810. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand, and the specific cost of doing business within the island territory.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,800.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 470 individuals and a Location Quotient of 2.47, the Virgin Islands demonstrates a significant concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and established demand for these roles within the local economy, indicating a stable job market for those in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Virgin Islands earns-14.7%below the national average.
$13.9
$554
$2,403
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in the Virgin Islands have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and potential increases in the cost of living and minimum wage regulations.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Virgin Islands
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,250 | $12.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,623 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,110 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,038 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,800 | $15.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,025
Adjusted for COL (120)
The nominal average salary of $28,830 in the Virgin Islands must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 120. This index, being 20% higher than the national average, suggests that the purchasing power of the local salary may be diminished, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
14.247
Per 1K Jobs
2.47
Location Quotient
Virgin Islands has 2.5x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.47 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are more than twice as concentrated in the Virgin Islands as they are nationally. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, but also signifies a strong industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,340↓ 23% | 76 mi |
| Guayama, PR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $20,490↓ 29% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virgin Islands
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Virgin Islands?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Virgin Islands is $28,830. This typically ranges from $26,250 for entry-level positions to $31,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virgin Islands is 14.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Virgin Islands a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not solely based on nominal salary.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary of $28,830 is below the national average and the cost of living is higher, impacting overall financial well-being.
Is Virgin Islands a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virgin Islands is 120. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virgin Islands?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR ($22,340) and Guayama, PR.
How does the Virgin Islands compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Food Preparation Workers in the Virgin Islands earn approximately $5,000 less annually than the national average, with a significant concentration of these jobs in the territory.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.47 mean for this role?
A Location Quotient of 2.47 signifies that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 2.47 times more common in the Virgin Islands than in the United States overall, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in the Virgin Islands?
With a Cost of Living Index of 120, the Virgin Islands is 20% more expensive than the national average. This means the $28,830 salary has less purchasing power locally compared to the national average salary.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the Virgin Islands?
There are approximately 470 Food Preparation Workers employed within the Virgin Islands, representing a notable segment of the local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Virgin Islands area with a job density of 14.247 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 Virgin Islands