Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hattiesburg, MS
In Hattiesburg, MS, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $25,540. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Hattiesburg area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,120.
- Outlook: Hattiesburg's food preparation and serving sector demonstrates a solid presence, with a total local workforce of 7,010 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled workers in this field within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hattiesburg, MS earns-29.0%below the national average.
$12.3
$491
$2,128
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hattiesburg's food preparation sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest salary increases in most service-oriented industries.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hattiesburg typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, such as chefs or kitchen managers, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,020 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,155 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,750 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,925 | $15.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,120 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,540 in Hattiesburg 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 locally is comparable to the national standard, making the effective take-home value of the salary stable relative to expenses.
Job Market Context
7,010
Total Jobs
112.439
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Hattiesburg, MS 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 1.27, Hattiesburg exhibits a job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a healthy demand for these roles, the market may be moderately competitive, with employers potentially having a slightly larger pool of local talent to draw from compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,620↑ 8% | 63 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,690↑ 5% | 76 mi |
| Mobile, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,870↑ 9% | 83 mi |
| Jackson, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,970↑ 6% | 87 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↑ 2% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hattiesburg, MS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hattiesburg, MS is $25,540. This typically ranges from $17,020 for entry-level positions to $35,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 29.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,540 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($27,620) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does the Hattiesburg salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hattiesburg, MS is $25,540, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food preparation jobs in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg has a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.27, meaning there are 1.27 times more of these jobs per worker than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Hattiesburg salary?
The cost of living in Hattiesburg is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $25,540 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal amount.
What does the job market look like for food preparation roles in Hattiesburg?
The market shows a solid presence with 112.439 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient above 1, indicating a strong local demand and concentration for these occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,010 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 112.439 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 Hattiesburg, MS