Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
In the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower operational costs characteristic of nonmetropolitan regions. The local pay scale is thus influenced by the specific economic landscape of this part of Illinois.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,150.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in West Central Illinois is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, indicating a presence that is less than the national average. The total local workforce of 660 individuals, coupled with 3.889 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-5.7%below the national average.
$15.3
$613
$2,656
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West Central Illinois is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions, suggesting a likely modest upward trajectory for local wages as well.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential of Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the progression from junior to senior roles within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,903 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,230 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,838 | $19.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,150 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,870 in West Central Illinois aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is likely comparable to what a worker might experience in a national average cost-of-living area. Therefore, the salary offers a stable standard of living relative to local expenses.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
3.889
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.67x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in West Central Illinois is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are dedicated roles within the region, the overall abundance of these positions relative to the national employment landscape is lower. This could imply a more specialized or niche demand rather than a widespread saturation of the workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,210↑ 4% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,620↑ 2% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,020↑ 7% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,500↑ 5% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,320↑ 5% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $31,870. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $36,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 5.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $31,870 is below the national average, and the job market concentration is less than the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,210) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in West Central Illinois earn an average of $31,870 annually, which is approximately $1,940 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in West Central Illinois?
The Cost of Living Index for West Central Illinois is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
How concentrated is the job market for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.67, suggesting fewer jobs per capita compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total workforce size for this role locally?
There are approximately 660 Food Preparation Workers employed in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.889 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area