Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
In Decatur, AL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Decatur contribute to this pay differential. Understanding these local economic factors is crucial for anyone considering a career in this sector within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,470.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL supports a substantial workforce of 4,670 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 78.9, this sector demonstrates a consistent presence. The location quotient of 0.89 indicates that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of workers suggests a stable and established job market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, AL earns-21.9%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,341
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage standards likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,110 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,068 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,050 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,113 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,470 | $18 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,090 in Decatur, AL 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 income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Decatur for this role does not present an immediate disadvantage in terms of cost of living, though the lower salary itself warrants consideration.
Job Market Context
4,670
Total Jobs
78.9
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.89x 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 0.89, the market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, AL is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and employs a significant number of people, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other sectors when viewed on a per-worker basis nationally. This indicates a balanced, rather than hyper-competitive, job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,750↑ 6% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,530↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,720↓ 8% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 5% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,760↑ 6% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, AL is $28,090. This typically ranges from $19,110 for entry-level positions to $37,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 21.9% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,090 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($29,750) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's job market compare to the national average for this field?
Decatur's job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations has a slightly lower concentration (LQ of 0.89) than the national average, but still supports a considerable workforce of 4,670 individuals.
What is the typical salary range for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Decatur, AL?
While the average is $28,090, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, specific role, and employer. Entry-level positions will likely be lower, while senior or specialized roles could command higher pay.
Does the cost of living in Decatur affect the value of the average salary?
No, the cost of living in Decatur is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $28,090 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.89 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the field is well-represented in Decatur, it's not as dominant as it is nationally. This could imply a stable but not rapidly expanding market, with opportunities available but perhaps less intense competition than in highly concentrated areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,670 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 78.9 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 Decatur, AL