Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dothan, AL
In Dothan, AL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Dothan market. The cost of living in Dothan aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, the purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,960.
- Outlook: The Dothan, AL market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 5,710 individuals in this sector. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Dothan compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dothan, AL earns-27.0%below the national average.
$12.6
$505
$2,187
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dothan'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. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and a gradual upward adjustment of wages to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Dothan, AL
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Dothan, AL, career progression is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and reward for accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,670 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,680 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,750 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,800 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,960 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,240 in Dothan, AL, when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of this income is directly comparable to the national median. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living means that the take-home pay may not feel as diminished as the raw numbers might initially imply.
Job Market Context
5,710
Total Jobs
94.848
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Dothan, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Dothan, AL exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.07 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, signifying a market where these roles are slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these services within the local economy, potentially offering more job opportunities relative to other regions, though it does not necessarily indicate a highly competitive or saturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,980↑ 29% | 72 mi |
| Albany, GA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,280↑ 4% | 76 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,700↑ 40% | 77 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,510↑ 24% | 87 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,710↑ 6% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dothan, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Dothan, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dothan, AL is $26,240. This typically ranges from $17,670 for entry-level positions to $35,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dothan, AL is 27.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Dothan, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $26,240 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This means while expenses are comparable, the earning potential is lower.
Is Dothan, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Dothan, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dothan, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL ($33,980) and Albany, GA.
How does Dothan's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dothan, AL is $26,240, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Dothan, AL?
Dothan, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation jobs in Dothan?
With a Location Quotient of 1.07, Dothan shows a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicating a stable to good demand within the local market.
How many people work in Food Preparation in Dothan?
There are approximately 5,710 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Dothan, AL, representing a significant portion of the local workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,710 employees in the Dothan, AL area with a job density of 94.848 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 Dothan, AL