Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Alabama
In Alabama, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to the state. The lower average wage in Alabama for these roles is often influenced by the prevailing cost of living and the overall economic structure of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,740.
- Outlook: Alabama boasts a substantial workforce of 178,360 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a significant presence in the state's employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that this sector is nearly as concentrated in Alabama as it is nationally, implying a stable and consistent demand for these roles. With 85.278 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates a robust and active environment for food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama earns-21.7%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,348
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and increased demand for services likely contributed to modest upward adjustments in compensation, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and attract a consistent labor pool.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Alabama
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals and those in supervisory or management capacities can command substantially higher earnings than their junior counterparts. The widening percentile gaps in salary data, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,340 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,128 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,950 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,213 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,740 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,975
Adjusted for COL (88.1)
The average annual salary of $28,170 in Alabama for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations should be evaluated against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.1. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively better purchasing power locally than it might appear at first glance. This means that while the absolute salary is lower, the cost of essential goods and services is also reduced, potentially offsetting some of the difference compared to higher-paying, higher-cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
178,360
Total Jobs
85.278
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Alabama has 0.97x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of jobs is closely aligned with the national proportion of the workforce employed in this sector. It suggests neither an oversupply nor a significant undersupply of labor, implying a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,710↓ 2% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,880↑ 3% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,960↓ 1% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,620↓ 6% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alabama
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Alabama?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama is $28,170. This typically ranges from $18,340 for entry-level positions to $37,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alabama is 21.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Alabama a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but cost of living offers some advantage.Alabama's average salary of $28,170 is below the national average, indicating it is not the most lucrative state. However, the lower cost of living (88.1 index) means the purchasing power of this salary is relatively stronger locally.
Is Alabama a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($27,710) and Birmingham, AL.
How does Alabama's job market compare nationally for food service roles?
Alabama's job market for these roles is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating a comparable concentration of jobs relative to the workforce.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alabama is $28,170.
How does the cost of living in Alabama affect the salary?
Alabama's cost of living is 11.9% lower than the national average, which helps to mitigate the impact of the lower average salary on residents' purchasing power.
What is the size of the food preparation workforce in Alabama?
Alabama employs a significant workforce of 178,360 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 178,360 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 85.278 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 and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama