Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,150, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is likely driven by a combination of regional labor market dynamics and potentially specific industry demands within this area, making it a more attractive location for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,380.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,010 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.35, the demand for Food Preparation Workers in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas appears robust and concentrated compared to the national landscape. This indicates a healthy job market where these roles are more prevalent than the national average, suggesting good opportunities for employment and potential career growth within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+15.8%above the national average.
$18.8
$753
$3,263
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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan areas have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to a positive trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated skills, responsibility, and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,363 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,230 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,938 | $23.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,380 | $22.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,150 in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Food Preparation Workers here holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
7.779
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Western Washington nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.35 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 35% more concentrated in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent due to the higher prevalence of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,840↑ 9% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,580↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,390↑ 3% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,360↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,220↓ 2% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $39,150. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $47,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 15.8% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Food Preparation Workers in this region earn approximately $5,340 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially favorable for these professionals.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($42,840) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 1,010 suggests a moderately sized pool of professionals. While not extremely large, it indicates a stable presence of these roles within the region, contributing to the overall job market dynamics.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.35 specifically mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.35 signifies that Food Preparation Worker jobs are more common in this nonmetropolitan area than nationally. This could translate to more job openings relative to the number of available workers, potentially easing the job search.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience level?
Yes, typically, entry-level Food Preparation Workers will earn less than those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities. Salary data often shows a clear upward trend across different experience tiers.
How does the cost of living in Western Washington nonmetropolitan areas compare nationally?
The cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities are on par with the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.779 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area