SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Yakima, WA

Food Preparation Workers in Yakima, WA, earn an average annual salary of $38,220, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Yakima region for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,220 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,450.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 680 Food Preparation Workers, Yakima presents a stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 1.19 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand and a robust local market for food preparation talent.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,220

The average Food Preparation Workers in Yakima, WA earns+13.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.4

Weekly

$735

Monthly

$3,185

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Yakima typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. The salary distribution, although not detailed here, would show a widening gap between the lower and upper percentiles, signifying opportunities for increased earnings with experience and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,860$16.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,665$13.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,040$17.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,775$23
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,450$21.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,220

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,220

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,220 in Yakima, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

6.886

Per 1K Jobs

1.19

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.19, Yakima, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.

A location quotient of 1.19 for Food Preparation Workers in Yakima signifies that the area has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand relative to the general workforce, indicating a competitive yet accessible job market for individuals seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary$38,580↑ 1%59 mi
Kennewick-Richland, WA Food Preparation Workers Salary$38,670↑ 1%71 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$39,150↑ 2%71 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$38,500↑ 1%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Yakima, WA is $38,220. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $44,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 13.0% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Yakima, WA offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, indicating good earning potential relative to expenses.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($38,580) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

How does Yakima's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Yakima earn an average of $38,220 annually, which is approximately $4,410 more than the national average of $33,810.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Yakima, WA?

Yakima has a location quotient of 1.19, meaning there are 19% more Food Preparation Workers jobs per capita than the national average, indicating a slightly higher demand.

How does the cost of living in Yakima affect the salary?

Yakima's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary in Yakima offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Yakima, WA?

There are approximately 680 Food Preparation Workers employed in Yakima, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 6.886 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Yakima, WA