Preferred Meal Systems Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Preferred Meal Systems in the United States is $115,311. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $55. Salaries at Preferred Meal Systems typically range from $101,129 to $130,975 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Preferred Meal Systems’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Preferred Meal Systems's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Martin & Bayley Inc $102,674
-11.0%
Martin & Bayley Inc operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Calply Inc $114,699
-0.5%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
TooJay's Management LLC $104,921
-9.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Freebirds $106,862
-7.3%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Freebirds primarily operates.
Hospitality & Leisure Industry $122,562
+6.3%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Preferred Meal Systems

Considering a career at Preferred Meal Systems? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Management is transparent and values employee input. It’s a stable option for those in hospitality. While there are opportunities for training, I feel there could be more frequent skill-development programs. The onboarding process was smooth, and I felt integrated into the team quickly.
It’s a stable place to work in the hospitality sector. The company provides necessary tools to perform tasks efficiently. I’ve grown professionally and would recommend it to anyone in the hospitality sector. It’s a suitable workplace for those who prefer routine in the hospitality sector. Reasonable expectations and fair policies. The company fosters a supportive environment where teamwork is valu...
I’d highly recommend this workplace to anyone in the industry. The management team is transparent and open to suggestions. While innovation is present, some processes could be updated. It’s a decent place to work if you value consistency over rapid growth.

Preferred Meal Systems Overview

Website
www.preferredmeals.com
Founded In
1967
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Hospitality & Leisure
Headquarter Address
5240 Saint Charles Rd Berkeley Illinois IL 60163
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 7083182500
Social Media
About Preferred Meal Systems
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Berkeley, Illinois, Preferred Meal Systems offers meals to public and private schools for kids.

What Benefits Does Preferred Meal Systems Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Preferred Meal Systems offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Preferred Meal Systems.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Preferred Meal Systems, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Preferred Meal Systems salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Preferred Meal Systems

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Preferred Meal Systems?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Preferred Meal Systems, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $115,311 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Preferred Meal Systems pay compared to Martin & Bayley Inc?

The average annual salary at Preferred Meal Systems is $115,311, or an hourly wage of $55, in comparison to Martin & Bayley Inc which pays $102,674 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Preferred Meal Systems?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Preferred Meal Systems due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Preferred Meal Systems?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Preferred Meal Systems can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Preferred Meal Systems in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Preferred Meal Systems in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Preferred Meal Systems and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at Preferred Meal Systems usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Preferred Meal Systems are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.