Average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Food Servers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area earn an average annual salary of $32,970. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,860, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this specific region. The pay scale reflects the unique economic landscape and the specific needs of the non-restaurant food service sector within this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,400.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton appears robust, with a significant local workforce of 1,200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.84 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized market for these services. With 3.24 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector demonstrates a notable presence and potential for consistent employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-5.4%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,748
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of goods and services nationally and locally would typically necessitate upward adjustments in wages to maintain purchasing power and attract talent to the sector.
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Career progression for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and opportunities for financial growth within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,240 | $13.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,728 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,020 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,213 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,400 | $18.9 |
Detailed Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,970 for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for individuals relocating to or residing in this area.
Job Market Context
1,200
Total Jobs
3.24
Per 1K Jobs
1.84
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 1.8x the national concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.84 for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton strongly suggests a market with a higher-than-average concentration of these roles compared to the rest of the nation. This indicates a specialized demand within the local economy, making the job market potentially more competitive for new entrants but also offering more opportunities for those already established in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $32,050↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $35,580↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $33,290↑ 1% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $32,130↓ 3% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $30,990↓ 6% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $32,970. This typically ranges from $27,240 for entry-level positions to $39,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 5.4% lower than the national median of $34,860.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
No, it is slightly below the national average.While the local Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $32,970 is below the national average of $34,860. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.84) indicates demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($32,050) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is $32,970, which is approximately $1,890 less than the national average of $34,860.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.84?
An LQ of 1.84 means that the concentration of Food Server, Nonrestaurant jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is 84% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand for this occupation.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $32,970 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in the area?
There are approximately 1,200 individuals employed as Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 3.24 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 Servers, Nonrestaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ