Average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary in State College, PA
The average salary for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in State College, PA is $29,120. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in State College, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, State College, PA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.42x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,120.
- Outlook: The current demand for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader State College, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in State College, PA earns-16.5%below the national average.
$14
$560
$2,427
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant salaries in State College, PA have shown healthy growth of 12.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The earning potential for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants in State College, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $17,810, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,120.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,810 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,840 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,740 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,400 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,120 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
In State College, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $29,120 to $29,120.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
2.507
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Servers, Nonrestaurant roles compared to the national norm.
170 people work as Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in State College, PA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.507 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $28,190↓ 3% | 35 mi |
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $31,510↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $32,060↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $29,860↑ 3% | 45 mi |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Food Servers, Nonrestaurant Salary | $30,620↑ 5% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Food Servers, Nonrestaurant in State College, PA is $29,120. This typically ranges from $17,810 for entry-level positions to $36,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 16.5% lower than the national median of $34,860.
Is State College, PA a good place for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
Yes, State College, PA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($29,120), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Food Servers, Nonrestaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($28,190) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 2.507 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 State College, PA