Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Winchester, VA-WV
In Winchester, VA-WV, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $32,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common occurrence in areas where the cost of living aligns closely with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and demand dynamics typically influence these localized pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,050.
- Outlook: The Winchester, VA-WV area supports a local workforce of 240 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.6, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall job market. The presence of 3.476 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Winchester, VA-WV earns-4.6%below the national average.
$15.5
$621
$2,689
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winchester is not provided, it's generally observed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to Winchester, suggesting a gradual upward adjustment in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Winchester, VA-WV
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Winchester, VA-WV, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this advancement, rewarding dedication and acquired expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,010 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,203 | $11.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,338 | $19.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,050 | $19.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,270 in Winchester, VA-WV, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Winchester is effectively on par with the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
3.476
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Winchester, VA-WV has 0.60x 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 0.6 for Food Preparation Workers in Winchester, VA-WV, indicates that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,990↑ 2% | 40 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,640↓ 5% | 59 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,410↑ 0% | 63 mi |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,720↑ 14% | 64 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,700↓ 2% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winchester, VA-WV
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Winchester, VA-WV?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Winchester, VA-WV is $32,270. This typically ranges from $26,010 for entry-level positions to $40,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winchester, VA-WV is 4.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Winchester, VA-WV a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $32,270 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Winchester, VA-WV a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winchester, VA-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winchester, VA-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV ($32,990) and Chambersburg, PA.
How does the Winchester salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Winchester, VA-WV is $32,270, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Winchester, VA-WV?
The cost of living in Winchester, VA-WV is indexed at 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Winchester?
Food Preparation Worker jobs are less concentrated in Winchester than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.6.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Winchester?
There are approximately 240 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Winchester, VA-WV area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Winchester, VA-WV area with a job density of 3.476 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 Winchester, VA-WV