Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Bowling Green, KY
In Bowling Green, KY, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. The cost of living in Bowling Green aligns perfectly with the national average, meaning that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power remains consistent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,180.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Bowling Green, KY, demonstrates a healthy presence with a total local workforce of 7,920 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bowling Green, KY earns-20.2%below the national average.
$13.8
$552
$2,392
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bowling Green's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for these roles, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and retain talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bowling Green, KY, typically involves a noticeable salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals can command significantly higher earnings, with the gap between entry-level and senior roles reflecting accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,810 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,525 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,810 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,875 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,180 | $18.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,700 in Bowling Green, KY, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal income, while lower than the national average salary, offers a similar purchasing power locally. Therefore, relocating to Bowling Green for these roles does not present an immediate disadvantage in terms of cost of living versus income.
Job Market Context
7,920
Total Jobs
98.535
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Bowling Green, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.12, Bowling Green, KY, shows a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is relatively robust and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, or conversely, offers more opportunities for job seekers compared to a national benchmark.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bowling Green, KY is $28,700. This typically ranges from $17,810 for entry-level positions to $38,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 20.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $28,700 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific field.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($29,240) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does the Bowling Green food prep salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bowling Green, KY, is $28,700, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food prep jobs in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green, KY has a Location Quotient of 1.12 for these occupations, indicating a slightly higher concentration of jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Bowling Green affect the salary?
The cost of living in Bowling Green is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,700 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in Bowling Green?
There are approximately 7,920 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Bowling Green, KY.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,920 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 98.535 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 Bowling Green, KY