SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC

In Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,400. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,400 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,950.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 23,050 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Augusta-Richmond County demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The location quotient of 1.14 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for food service professionals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,400

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-21.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.7

Weekly

$546

Monthly

$2,367

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Augusta-Richmond County typically leads to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting substantial career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,310$8.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,300$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,170$13.1
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,500$17.1
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,950$18.7

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,400

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,400

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,400 in Augusta-Richmond County aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a food preparation worker's salary in Augusta is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

23,050

Total Jobs

100.378

Per 1K Jobs

1.14

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.14, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

Augusta-Richmond County's location quotient of 1.14 signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is 14% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and competitive job market for these roles, with more job opportunities available relative to the general workforce compared to the rest of the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $28,400. This typically ranges from $17,310 for entry-level positions to $38,950 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 21.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,400 is significantly below the national average of $35,960. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal pay indicates less lucrative opportunities in this specific sector.

Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($27,400) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A large local workforce of 23,050 suggests a significant presence of these jobs, but also indicates a potentially competitive environment for new entrants seeking employment.

What does a location quotient of 1.14 mean for food service jobs?

A location quotient of 1.14 indicates that food preparation and serving roles are more concentrated in Augusta-Richmond County than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or availability of these positions.

How does the cost of living affect the $28,400 salary?

With a cost of living index at 100 (national average), the $28,400 salary offers average purchasing power, meaning it neither stretches further nor falls significantly short compared to the national median.

What are the typical career paths in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

Career paths often include progression from entry-level roles like kitchen helper or server to more specialized positions such as line cook, chef, or even management roles like kitchen manager or restaurant supervisor.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,050 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 100.378 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.