Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
In Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,380. 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 in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,780.
- Outlook: The Brownsville-Harlingen area demonstrates a robust presence in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with a total local workforce of 16,450 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.18 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 18% higher than the national average, signaling a strong and established demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX earns-26.6%below the national average.
$12.7
$507
$2,198
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Brownsville-Harlingen have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for professionals in this sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The difference between lower and higher percentile earnings highlights the impact of experience, skill development, and increased responsibility, offering clear pathways for career advancement and higher earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,460 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,785 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,450 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,975 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,780 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,380 in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, making the effective financial impact neutral.
Job Market Context
16,450
Total Jobs
104.374
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Brownsville-Harlingen, TX 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 1.18, the Brownsville-Harlingen market shows a higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are relatively abundant and perhaps more integral to the local economy, the increased supply and specific regional demand dynamics may influence overall wage levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,110↑ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $26,380. This typically ranges from $17,460 for entry-level positions to $36,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 26.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,380 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Brownsville-Harlingen, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($27,110) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Food Prep roles?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX is $26,380, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Prep jobs in Brownsville-Harlingen, TX?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.18, indicating that these jobs are 18% more prevalent in Brownsville-Harlingen than the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Brownsville-Harlingen affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the lower local salary of $26,380 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have nationally.
What is the total number of Food Prep workers in the Brownsville-Harlingen area?
There are approximately 16,450 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Brownsville-Harlingen local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,450 employees in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX area with a job density of 104.374 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 Brownsville-Harlingen, TX