Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
In Athens-Clarke County, GA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific economic landscape and cost of doing business in Athens-Clarke County likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,700.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 10,750 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.28, Athens-Clarke County demonstrates a concentration of these roles that is 28% higher than the national average. This indicates a robust and relatively strong demand for food preparation and serving professionals within the local economy, suggesting a stable job market for those in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-20.6%below the national average.
$13.7
$549
$2,379
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Athens-Clarke County's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. Increased consumer spending and a growing demand for dining services typically drive wage growth in this industry, even if localized factors moderate the pace of increase.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career ladder, rewarding increased expertise and tenure with greater compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,810 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,413 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,300 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,688 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,700 | $19.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,550 in Athens-Clarke County, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by food preparation and serving professionals in this area has the same purchasing power as the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the effective take-home value of this salary is comparable to other regions.
Job Market Context
10,750
Total Jobs
112.849
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.28 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Athens-Clarke County signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the local market has a greater demand for, or a more abundant supply of, workers in this sector relative to other industries. It implies a competitive environment where employers may have a diverse pool of talent to choose from, potentially influencing wage negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $28,550. This typically ranges from $16,810 for entry-level positions to $39,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 20.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,550 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is at the national average. The higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.28) indicates demand but doesn't necessarily translate to higher pay.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($30,240) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $28,550, which is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.28?
An LQ of 1.28 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 28% more concentrated in Athens-Clarke County, GA, than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or supply of these roles locally.
How does the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Athens-Clarke County is at the national average. This means the $28,550 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national salary figure.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 10,750 in this sector indicates a substantial presence of food preparation and serving jobs within Athens-Clarke County, contributing to the local economy and job market dynamics.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,750 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 112.849 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA