Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. The localized pay scale is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the cost of labor and the specific demands of the local industry within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,030.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 450 individuals in food preparation roles, and a Location Quotient of 1.25, the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area shows a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation workers within this region, indicating a consistent job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area earns-11.4%below the national average.
$14.4
$576
$2,496
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in nonmetropolitan areas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws, contributing to a modest upward trajectory in earnings.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, specialized culinary training, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways within the food preparation industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,463 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,438 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,030 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,950 in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area 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 effectively equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
7.207
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates that Food Preparation Worker roles are 25% more concentrated in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust market for these positions, implying that employers may find it slightly more challenging to fill roles compared to national averages, potentially leading to more stable employment opportunities for workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is $29,950. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $36,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 11.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $29,950 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. The job market shows a slightly higher concentration, but this doesn't translate to higher pay in this specific nonmetropolitan context.
Is West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 450 suggests a moderate pool of existing talent. While not a massive market, it indicates a consistent need for food preparation workers, offering stable opportunities within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.25 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.25, signifies a higher concentration of this job type locally compared to the nation. This can mean more available positions relative to the general workforce and potentially more competition among employers for skilled individuals.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area matches the national average. This means your $29,950 salary will buy roughly the same amount of goods and services as the national average salary would, despite being a lower nominal amount.
Are there opportunities for career advancement for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
While the data doesn't detail specific advancement tracks, typical industry progression involves moving into supervisory roles or specializing in areas like baking or catering, which often come with increased responsibility and higher pay.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.207 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 South Dakota nonmetropolitan area