Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Waco, TX
In Waco, TX, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,070. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Waco labor market. The cost of living in Waco aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, the purchasing power may be more comparable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,850.
- Outlook: Waco, TX supports a substantial workforce of 1,330 Food Preparation Workers, with 10.213 jobs per 1,000 workers. This concentration, reflected in a Location Quotient of 1.77, signifies a robust and above-average presence of these roles within the local economy, suggesting consistent demand and a stable job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Waco, TX earns-17.0%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,339
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 Waco, as in most markets, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving market demands for culinary services, leading to modest but consistent upward adjustments in compensation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Waco typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command higher wages, with significant gaps between the lowest and highest earners reflecting accumulated skills, responsibilities, and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,260 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,053 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,840 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,088 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,850 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,070 in Waco, TX, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), suggests that the nominal income provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national median. While the salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living means that the real value of this income is not significantly diminished compared to other areas.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
10.213
Per 1K Jobs
1.77
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 1.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.77, Waco, TX demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a well-established industry presence for these roles, making the job market relatively abundant and potentially competitive for new entrants, while offering ample opportunities for those already within the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Waco, TX is $28,070. This typically ranges from $21,260 for entry-level positions to $36,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 17.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the Food Preparation Worker salary in Waco ($28,070) is notably below the national average ($33,810), indicating less financial advantage.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($27,160) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's cost of living compare to the national average?
Waco, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Waco?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.77 suggests a demand significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and potential for job availability.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Waco?
There are approximately 1,330 Food Preparation Workers employed in Waco, TX.
How does the Waco salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Waco is $28,070, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,330 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 10.213 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Waco, TX
- All Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Management Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Production Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Waco, TX
- Browse All Jobs in Waco, TX →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waco, TX