Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wheeling, WV-OH
Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH earn an average annual salary of $28,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape of Wheeling influences the prevailing wage rates for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,590.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 260 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.76, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the area's food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH earns-16.6%below the national average.
$13.6
$542
$2,349
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have experienced modest 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, leading to incremental salary increases for workers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wheeling, WV-OH
Experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this progression, with senior roles offering substantially more than those new to the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,490 | $10.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,143 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,630 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,238 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,590 | $16.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,190 for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary within Wheeling is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
4.405
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Wheeling, WV-OH has 0.76x 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 0.76 for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH signifies that the occupation is less concentrated in this region than it is nationally. This suggests that while there is a presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and the demand is relatively steady, without an overabundance of workers competing for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,040↓ 1% | 24 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,640↑ 9% | 45 mi |
| Morgantown, WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,970↑ 10% | 50 mi |
| Canton-Massillon, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,430↑ 11% | 62 mi |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,660↑ 5% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wheeling, WV-OH
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wheeling, WV-OH?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH is $28,190. This typically ranges from $22,490 for entry-level positions to $34,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wheeling, WV-OH is 16.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wheeling, WV-OH a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,190 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar but overall earnings are lower.
Is Wheeling, WV-OH a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wheeling, WV-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wheeling, WV-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($28,040) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling?
A local workforce of 260 suggests a moderate-sized pool of existing workers, indicating a stable but not overly competitive job market for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.76 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling?
It means that Wheeling has fewer Food Preparation Workers per capita than the national average, suggesting a slightly lower but consistent demand relative to the workforce size.
How does the cost of living in Wheeling compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living index is 100, meaning it is exactly average. This offsets the lower nominal salary to some extent, making the real income comparable to the national average.
What is the typical salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Wheeling, WV-OH?
While the average is $28,190, entry-level positions will likely be lower, and experienced workers may earn more, reflecting typical salary progression based on skills and tenure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Wheeling, WV-OH area with a job density of 4.405 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 Wheeling, WV-OH