Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,820. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,040.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 individuals in food preparation roles, the West Montana nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base for these positions. The location quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, though not exceptionally high, demand for food preparation talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-5.9%below the national average.
$15.3
$612
$2,652
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in West Montana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a steady demand for essential services like food preparation typically drive incremental salary adjustments upwards.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior or specialized positions. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their earnings increase, with senior roles commanding higher salaries than those starting out. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential and career trajectory available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,070 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,865 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,350 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,775 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,040 | $18.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,820 in West Montana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
5.151
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
West Montana nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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.
A location quotient of 0.89 indicates that Food Preparation Worker positions are slightly less concentrated in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and provides consistent opportunities, it is not oversaturated, implying a healthy balance between job availability and the workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,450↓ 4% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,690↓ 0% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,800↑ 13% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $31,820. This typically ranges from $26,070 for entry-level positions to $39,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 5.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but offers balanced purchasing power.The average salary of $31,820 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($30,450) and Helena, MT.
How does the West Montana salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in West Montana earn an average of $31,820 annually, which is approximately $1,990 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The location quotient is 0.89, meaning the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in West Montana is slightly lower than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the West Montana nonmetropolitan area matches the national average, meaning the $31,820 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 430 Food Preparation Workers employed in the West Montana 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 430 employees in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.151 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 Montana nonmetropolitan area