Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wichita Falls, TX
In Wichita Falls, TX, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,790. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating that local economic factors and demand significantly influence compensation in this Texas city. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for career planning and financial management.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
- Outlook: Wichita Falls supports a local workforce of approximately 700 Food Preparation Workers, with 12.302 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 2.13 suggests a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, pointing to a robust and potentially growing demand for food preparation talent within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls, TX earns-20.8%below the national average.
$12.9
$515
$2,233
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita Falls is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers nationwide have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to Wichita Falls, suggesting a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for the profession.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wichita Falls, TX
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command higher pay than those just starting out, with significant percentile gaps reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,960 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,093 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,140 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,488 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,130 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,790 in Wichita Falls aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
12.302
Per 1K Jobs
2.13
Location Quotient
Wichita Falls, TX has 2.1x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.13, Wichita Falls exhibits a job market for Food Preparation Workers that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these roles, while also offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,780↓ 4% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita Falls, TX
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wichita Falls, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls, TX is $26,790. This typically ranges from $17,960 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita Falls, TX is 20.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not in terms of average salary compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $26,790 is significantly below the national average of $33,810, making it less lucrative from a purely nominal income perspective.
Is Wichita Falls, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita Falls, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita Falls, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawton, OK ($25,780) and others.
How does the Wichita Falls Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls, TX is $26,790, which is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls, TX?
Wichita Falls has a high concentration of Food Preparation Workers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.13, meaning the presence of these jobs is more than double the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Wichita Falls affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita Falls is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $26,790 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Wichita Falls?
There are approximately 700 Food Preparation Workers employed in Wichita Falls, TX.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Wichita Falls, TX area with a job density of 12.302 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 Wichita Falls, TX