In the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,800. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan settings. The lower average salary is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of doing business, and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,240.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 14,920 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that employment in this field is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established job market rather than one experiencing rapid expansion or contraction. This concentration implies consistent demand for these roles within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-25.5%below the national average.
$12.9
$515
$2,233
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations across nonmetropolitan areas have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and a desire to attract and retain staff likely contribute to incremental salary increases, though the pace may differ from more urbanized areas.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities, rewarding individuals who invest in developing their expertise and taking on more complex roles within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,990 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,100 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,680 | $11.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,500 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,240 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,800 in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average due to the balanced cost of living. Therefore, the financial impact of relocating for this role is neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
14,920
Total Jobs
86.295
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.98x 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.
The location quotient of 0.98 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area indicates that this sector is nearly as concentrated as it is nationally. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of workers closely matches the demand from employers. It implies a competitive environment without an overwhelming surplus or deficit of labor, making it neither exceptionally difficult nor easy for employers to find qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 15% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 17% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,930↑ 27% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,800. This typically ranges from $17,990 for entry-level positions to $36,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 25.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area based on average salary.The average salary of $26,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($30,720) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,800, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the size of the workforce in this occupation locally?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area comprises 14,920 individuals.
How does the concentration of these jobs in Central Kentucky compare to the nation?
The location quotient is 0.98, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this region is very close to the national average concentration.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for this region?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the overall cost of goods and services in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is the same as the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,920 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 86.295 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area