Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Birmingham, AL
In Birmingham, AL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for career planning and salary expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,530.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 43,230 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Birmingham presents a significant, albeit slightly below-average concentration, market. The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that while the industry is well-represented, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to national trends, implying a stable demand for skilled workers within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Birmingham, AL earns-18.0%below the national average.
$14.2
$567
$2,456
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics that necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can achieve significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight 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) | $18,850 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,103 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,800 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,838 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,530 | $19 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,470 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Birmingham is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
43,230
Total Jobs
83.465
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.95x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.95 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Birmingham, AL, indicates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of industry concentration. This suggests a balanced competitive landscape, where the number of jobs is proportional to the number of workers, neither indicating an oversaturated market nor a significant shortage of opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Birmingham, AL is $29,470. This typically ranges from $18,850 for entry-level positions to $39,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 18.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,470 is below the national average of $35,960, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($28,880) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Food Preparation salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Birmingham, AL is $29,470, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham has a Location Quotient of 0.95 for these occupations, indicating a concentration very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Birmingham affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Birmingham's cost of living is average nationally, meaning the $29,470 salary has average purchasing power.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Birmingham?
There are 43,230 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Birmingham, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 43,230 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 83.465 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 Birmingham, AL