Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Alexandria, LA
In Alexandria, LA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Alexandria market. The cost of living in Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,880.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria comprises 5,150 individuals, indicating a substantial presence within the community. With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these services. The rate of 86.849 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available in this sector within Alexandria.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria, LA earns-27.6%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,169
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 Alexandria have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This growth would likely be influenced by factors such as minimum wage adjustments, increased demand for dining services, and the overall economic health of the region.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Alexandria, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,600 | $7.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,523 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,670 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,538 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,880 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,030 in Alexandria, LA, is directly juxtaposed against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average for this occupation, the local cost of goods and services does not present an additional financial burden relative to the rest of the country. Therefore, the purchasing power of the $26,030 salary in Alexandria is comparable to what a slightly higher salary might offer in a more expensive region.
Job Market Context
5,150
Total Jobs
86.849
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 0.98x 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 0.98, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria, LA, is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the number of workers in the field. It indicates neither a significant oversupply nor a shortage of labor, implying a competitive yet stable environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria, LA is $26,030. This typically ranges from $15,600 for entry-level positions to $36,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 27.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,030 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary's purchasing power is not further diminished locally.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($23,920) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Alexandria job market compare to the national average for food preparation roles?
The job market in Alexandria is very similar to the national average in terms of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.98. This indicates a stable demand for these roles relative to the workforce size.
What is the average salary for food preparation jobs in Alexandria, LA?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria, LA, is $26,030.
How does the cost of living in Alexandria affect the salary?
Alexandria's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $26,030 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average for the role.
What is the total number of people employed in food preparation in Alexandria?
There are approximately 5,150 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Alexandria, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,150 employees in the Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 86.849 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 Alexandria, LA