Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $23,360. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Localized economic factors and the concentration of specific industries often dictate these pay disparities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,630.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,110 individuals in this role, the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base for Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 1.48 suggests a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a potentially robust demand within the local market relative to its size.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-30.9%below the national average.
$11.2
$449
$1,947
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in West Kentucky is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and adjustments to minimum wage laws.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in West Kentucky typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized culinary knowledge can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,790 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,520 | $8.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,010 | $10.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,200 | $14 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,630 | $15.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,360 in West Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
1,110
Total Jobs
8.559
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.48 signifies that Food Preparation Worker positions are more concentrated in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a relatively higher demand for these workers within the local economy, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a slightly more competitive market for employers seeking staff.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,650↑ 18% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,330↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,500↑ 22% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,020↑ 37% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $23,360. This typically ranges from $17,790 for entry-level positions to $32,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 30.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $23,360 is substantially lower than the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($27,650) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.559 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric indicates the relative prevalence of Food Preparation Worker roles within the local workforce compared to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.48 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.48, suggests that Food Preparation Workers are more prevalent in this region than in the nation overall, implying a potentially stronger local job market for this occupation.
How does the cost of living impact the salary in West Kentucky?
The Cost of Living Index being 100 means that the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary translates to a similar purchasing power as the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
There are approximately 1,110 Food Preparation Workers employed in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, providing a baseline for understanding the scale of this employment sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,110 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.559 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 Kentucky nonmetropolitan area