In the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,760. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of this locale. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic structure prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,630.
- Outlook: The East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area boasts a significant presence in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with a total local workforce of 20,270 individuals. The location quotient of 1.61 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 61% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand for these services within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-17.2%below the national average.
$14.3
$572
$2,480
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep pace with rising living costs and to attract and retain talent in a competitive service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in East Tennessee, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one moves up the career ladder.
| 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) | $22,320 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,160 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,200 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $43,630 | $21 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,760 in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
20,270
Total Jobs
141.854
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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 1.61, East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market for these roles is more abundant and potentially more competitive than the national average, offering ample opportunities for job seekers but also indicating a higher supply of labor relative to demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $29,760. This typically ranges from $17,670 for entry-level positions to $43,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 17.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,760 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($33,750) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 20,270 in this sector indicates a substantial pool of talent and a significant number of establishments employing individuals in food preparation and serving roles within the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.61 signify?
A location quotient of 1.61 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 61% more concentrated in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence and demand for these jobs locally.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of the $29,760 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for goods and services are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
What are the job prospects for entry-level food preparation roles?
Given the high concentration and workforce size, entry-level positions are likely available, but starting salaries will reflect the lower regional average, with significant growth potential tied to experience and advancement.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,270 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 141.854 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area