Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Williamsport, PA
In Williamsport, PA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,570. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Williamsport area. Factors such as the regional cost of labor and the specific needs of the local food service industry contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,830.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport, PA, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.76, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. The total local workforce of 220 suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport, PA earns-12.5%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,464
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Williamsport is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit modest, upward trajectory is typical for roles within the food service sector, influenced by minimum wage adjustments and evolving market demands.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Williamsport, PA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which command higher salaries. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced workers can expect to earn significantly more than those just starting out, with the gap between entry-level and senior positions reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,270 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,178 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,940 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,963 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,830 | $17.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Williamsport is at the national average for affordability. This means the nominal salary of $29,570 for Food Preparation Workers holds its purchasing power at the national benchmark, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of essential goods and services within the city.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
4.4
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Williamsport, PA 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.76 for Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport suggests that the occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals, but also suggesting a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,060↓ 8% | 9 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,860↓ 6% | 9 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,490↓ 10% | 9 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,110↓ 5% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,250↑ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Williamsport, PA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Williamsport, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport, PA is $29,570. This typically ranges from $24,270 for entry-level positions to $35,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Williamsport, PA is 12.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Williamsport, PA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Williamsport, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $29,570 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower pay rate limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is Williamsport, PA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Williamsport, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Williamsport, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area ($27,060) and Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport compare to the national average?
Williamsport has 4.4 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence of this role within the local economy.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport?
There are approximately 220 Food Preparation Workers employed in Williamsport, PA, representing the local workforce in this occupation.
Does experience significantly impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Williamsport?
Yes, as with most professions, experience typically leads to higher salaries for Food Preparation Workers, moving from entry-level wages to more substantial earnings in senior or specialized roles.
How does the job market concentration in Williamsport compare to the rest of the country?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.76, indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less prevalent in Williamsport than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Williamsport, PA area with a job density of 4.4 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 Williamsport, PA