Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hammond, LA
In Hammond, Louisiana, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,020. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized pay scale that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Hammond area. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in this sector within Hammond.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,240.
- Outlook: Hammond, LA supports a substantial workforce in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with 5,660 individuals employed in this field. The location quotient of 1.35 suggests that this sector is more concentrated in Hammond than the national average, implying a robust local demand and a significant presence of these roles within the regional economy. This concentration points to a stable job market for food preparation and serving professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hammond, LA earns-27.6%below the national average.
$12.5
$500
$2,168
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hammond, LA is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations nationwide have seen consistent, albeit modest, growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a persistent demand for service industry roles. It is reasonable to assume that Hammond's market has likely mirrored this general upward trajectory, offering slightly improved compensation over time.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hammond, LA
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start near the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay within Hammond reflect this career ladder, with senior roles earning substantially more than their junior counterparts, signifying opportunities for advancement and increased income.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,180 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,515 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,950 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,525 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,240 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,020 in Hammond, LA aligns perfectly 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 within Hammond is comparable to the national average. Consequently, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living, as everyday expenses are on par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
5,660
Total Jobs
119.443
Per 1K Jobs
1.35
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.35, Hammond, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.35, Hammond, LA demonstrates a higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Hammond is relatively abundant for these roles, and employers may have a slightly easier time finding qualified candidates. While this indicates demand, it also means the market is not oversaturated, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Hammond, LA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hammond, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hammond, LA is $26,020. This typically ranges from $15,180 for entry-level positions to $37,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hammond, LA is 27.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hammond, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,020 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Hammond, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hammond, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hammond, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($27,360) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Hammond, LA has 119.443 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, which is higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.35?
An LQ of 1.35 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 35% more concentrated in Hammond, LA than the national average, suggesting a higher demand and a more established industry presence in the area.
Does experience impact salary in Hammond, LA for this occupation?
Yes, like most fields, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level positions will earn less, while those with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more than the stated average.
How does the cost of living in Hammond affect the salary?
The cost of living in Hammond is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $26,020 salary, while lower than the national average salary, offers comparable purchasing power within Hammond.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,660 employees in the Hammond, LA area with a job density of 119.443 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 Hammond, LA