In Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $36,700. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a potentially favorable local market. Factors such as tourism demand and the specific economic drivers of the Florida Panhandle likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,660.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, appears robust, with a substantial workforce of 18,690 individuals. The location quotient of 1.7 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns+2.1%above the national average.
$17.6
$706
$3,058
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and potential labor shortages that necessitate competitive wage adjustments.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as experience and responsibility grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,830 | $12.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,525 | $13.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,610 | $15.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,875 | $22.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $55,660 | $26.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,700 in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is directly comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for residents.
Job Market Context
18,690
Total Jobs
149.866
Per 1K Jobs
1.7
Location Quotient
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL has 1.7x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.7, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are notably more concentrated in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, than the national average. This suggests a higher demand for these roles relative to other occupations in the area, potentially leading to more job openings and a more competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,890↓ 8% | 42 mi |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,980↓ 7% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,240↓ 29% | 77 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,890↓ 21% | 78 mi |
| Mobile, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,870↓ 24% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $36,700. This typically ranges from $25,830 for entry-level positions to $55,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 2.1% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $36,700 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, offering good value for this profession.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($33,890) and Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, is $36,700, which is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.7?
An LQ of 1.7 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 70% more concentrated in this area compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, your salary of $36,700 has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical U.S. location.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in the area?
There are approximately 18,690 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,690 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 149.866 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 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL