Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
In Dalton, GA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $27,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of Dalton shapes the earning potential for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,020.
- Outlook: Dalton, GA supports a substantial workforce of 4,010 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. While the total number is significant, the Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that this sector is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This implies that while there are jobs available, the demand might not be as robust as in other regions, presenting a moderate outlook for job market expansion.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dalton, GA earns-22.8%below the national average.
$13.4
$534
$2,313
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 Dalton, GA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and a desire to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market, even if the pace of increase may vary.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Dalton, GA
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Dalton, GA, career progression is evident through salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can achieve significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles reflects opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,330 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,820 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,890 | $12.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,700 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,020 | $18.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,760 in Dalton, GA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Dalton for this role does not present an immediate financial advantage or disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
4,010
Total Jobs
60.444
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Dalton, GA has 0.68x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations market in Dalton, GA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these jobs, the industry is not a dominant employer in the area compared to other sectors. Consequently, job seekers might find fewer specialized opportunities, but potentially less intense competition for available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,260↑ 9% | 26 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,580↑ 3% | 29 mi |
| Rome, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,570↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Gainesville, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,240↑ 9% | 73 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,980↑ 15% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dalton, GA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Dalton, GA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dalton, GA is $27,760. This typically ranges from $17,330 for entry-level positions to $38,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dalton, GA is 22.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Dalton, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Dalton, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for these roles.The average salary of $27,760 is significantly below the national average, and the job market concentration is also lower than the national benchmark.
Is Dalton, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Dalton, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dalton, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chattanooga, TN-GA ($30,260) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Dalton, GA's cost of living compare to the national average?
Dalton, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Dalton, GA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.68, indicating that these jobs are less prevalent in Dalton compared to the national average.
How many Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Dalton, GA?
There are approximately 60.44 Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs for every 1,000 workers in Dalton, GA.
Does experience significantly impact salary in Dalton, GA for these roles?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dalton, GA, with senior roles commanding greater compensation than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,010 employees in the Dalton, GA area with a job density of 60.444 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 Dalton, GA