In the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $25,340. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Localized economic factors and industry concentration significantly influence compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,640.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 8,250 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The location quotient of 1.01 suggests that employment in these roles is very close to the national average concentration, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the general labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-29.5%below the national average.
$12.2
$487
$2,112
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not detailed here, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and shifts in consumer spending likely contributed to incremental increases in compensation, though regional economic conditions play a crucial role in the magnitude of these changes.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves moving from entry-level positions to supervisory or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with significant percentile gaps often signifying the transition to senior or management positions. This upward mobility is a key factor in long-term earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,070 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,005 | $9.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,330 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,675 | $15.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,640 | $16.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,340 in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary is relatively aligned with national standards.
Job Market Context
8,250
Total Jobs
89.265
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.01 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area indicates a job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the number of workers, implying neither a significant surplus nor a substantial shortage of labor within this specific occupational category.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 21% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↑ 12% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 24% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,930↑ 34% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $25,340. This typically ranges from $18,070 for entry-level positions to $33,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 29.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $25,340 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($30,720) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the East Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Kentucky is $25,340, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in East Kentucky?
The location quotient is 1.01, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in East Kentucky is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in East Kentucky affect the salary?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means that while the salary is lower, the expenses are also at a comparable level to the rest of the country.
What is the total workforce size for these roles in East Kentucky?
There are approximately 8,250 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the East Kentucky 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 8,250 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 89.265 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 East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area