In the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $25,180. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic landscape and demand specific to this region. Localized economic factors and industry concentration significantly influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,920.
- Outlook: The Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 6,760 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-30.0%below the national average.
$12.1
$484
$2,098
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 nonmetropolitan areas like Central Louisiana have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. However, the pace of this growth may differ from national trends due to regional economic drivers.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or supervisory positions command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity as individuals gain skills and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,480 | $7.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,885 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,210 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,475 | $15.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,180 in Central Louisiana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable.
Job Market Context
6,760
Total Jobs
87.226
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x 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 0.99 indicates that the prevalence of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply and demand for these roles are relatively stable and not significantly skewed in favor of employers or job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,030↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,360↑ 9% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,980↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $24,770↓ 2% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↑ 3% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $25,180. This typically ranges from $15,480 for entry-level positions to $36,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 30.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area based on average salaries.The average annual salary of $25,180 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to national benchmarks.
Is Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($26,030) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for Food Prep roles?
The job market in Central Louisiana is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99 indicating a comparable concentration of these roles.
What is the total number of people employed in food preparation in this region?
There are approximately 6,760 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the average salary?
The cost of living in Central Louisiana is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $25,180 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the job density for food preparation roles in this area?
There are approximately 87.23 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,760 employees in the Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 87.226 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area