Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wausau, WI
Food Preparation Workers in Wausau, WI, earn an average annual salary of $31,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this Midwestern city. The specific pay rates are influenced by the local job market dynamics and the cost of doing business in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,230.
- Outlook: Wausau, WI, supports a dedicated workforce of 420 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles in Wausau is marginally higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps slightly growing demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wausau, WI earns-7.1%below the national average.
$15.1
$604
$2,618
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 Wausau, similar to national trends, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Wausau, WI, typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways for dedicated individuals within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,440 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,558 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,930 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,263 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,230 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $31,410 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker in Wausau is directly comparable to the national standard. This means that the nominal salary effectively translates to the average cost of living, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation based on cost alone.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
6.006
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Wausau, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.04 for Food Preparation Workers in Wausau, WI, indicates a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions aligns reasonably well with the number of workers, implying moderate competition and stable employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,080↑ 2% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,450↑ 0% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,090↑ 5% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,510↑ 0% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,550↑ 4% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wausau, WI is $31,410. This typically ranges from $21,440 for entry-level positions to $39,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 7.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,410 is below the national average of $33,810, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($32,080) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wausau, WI has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Wausau?
The Location Quotient of 1.04 suggests a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average, indicating stable to moderately high demand within the local market.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Wausau?
There are approximately 420 Food Preparation Workers employed in Wausau, WI, contributing to the local service industry.
How does experience affect pay for Food Preparation Workers in Wausau?
Experience is a key factor in salary progression. More experienced Food Preparation Workers can expect to earn significantly more than entry-level staff, with salary increases reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 6.006 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 Wausau, WI