Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
In Wildwood-The Villages, FL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $34,230, slightly surpassing the national average of $33,810. This marginal increase is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's hospitality and service sectors, which can command slightly higher compensation to attract and retain talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,400.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, appears robust, with a total workforce of 420 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.84 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for this profession within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages, FL earns+1.2%above the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,853
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 Wildwood-The Villages, FL, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and the evolving demands of the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting the value of their expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,030 | $13.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,673 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,360 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,788 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,400 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,230 in Wildwood-The Villages, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
10.579
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Wildwood-The Villages, FL has 1.8x 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 1.84, Wildwood-The Villages, FL, exhibits a notably higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs than the national average. This suggests a more competitive market for employers seeking talent, and potentially more abundant opportunities for job seekers in this specific occupation within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ocala, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,600↓ 2% | 29 mi |
| Homosassa Springs, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,970↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,870↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,890↓ 1% | 49 mi |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,870↓ 1% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wildwood-The Villages, FL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is $34,230. This typically ranges from $28,030 for entry-level positions to $38,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 1.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
Yes, it offers slightly above-average compensation.Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages, FL earn $34,230 annually, which is above the national average. Combined with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially stable for these roles.
Is Wildwood-The Villages, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wildwood-The Villages, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wildwood-The Villages, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ocala, FL ($33,600) and Homosassa Springs, FL.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages compare nationally?
Wildwood-The Villages has 10.579 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.84 means that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 84% more concentrated in Wildwood-The Villages than the national average, signaling higher demand and potentially more job availability.
Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Wildwood-The Villages?
Yes, like most professions, experience generally leads to higher salaries. Senior roles and those with specialized skills typically earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the salary of a Food Preparation Worker in Wildwood-The Villages?
The cost of living in Wildwood-The Villages is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $34,230 average salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good value.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Wildwood-The Villages, FL area with a job density of 10.579 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 Wildwood-The Villages, FL