In the picturesque Hill Country Region of Texas, individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,760. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, a common trend in nonmetropolitan areas where regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business can influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,610.
- Outlook: The Hill Country Region of Texas supports a substantial workforce of 21,030 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.21, this sector is more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence of these roles within the local economy, suggesting a steady demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area earns-20.0%below the national average.
$13.8
$553
$2,397
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in regions like the Texas Hill Country have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This incremental increase is often driven by rising operational costs, inflation, and a sustained demand for food services, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, kitchen managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as individuals gain experience and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,220 | $8.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,570 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,610 | $20.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,760 in the Hill Country Region of Texas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the local cost environment.
Job Market Context
21,030
Total Jobs
107.232
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.21 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 21% more concentrated in the Hill Country Region of Texas compared to the national average. This indicates a relatively strong and perhaps more competitive market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a deeper pool of local talent to draw from, but also that the demand is consistently present.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Killeen-Temple, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,020↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Waco, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,780↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $34,170↑ 19% | 53 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,840↑ 4% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is $28,760. This typically ranges from $18,220 for entry-level positions to $42,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 20.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,760 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. While the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not reflect a highly lucrative market.
Is Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($29,020) and Waco, TX.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 21,030 in this sector suggests a significant number of establishments and potential job openings. However, the concentration (LQ of 1.21) indicates these jobs are more prevalent here than nationally, implying consistent demand relative to other industries.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this region?
An LQ of 1.21 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are more common in the Hill Country Region of Texas than in the U.S. overall. This suggests a specialized local market where these roles are a key part of the economy.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $28,760 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the $28,760 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What are the career growth prospects for Food Preparation and Serving roles in this area?
While specific data isn't provided, the presence of a concentrated workforce and the nature of the industry suggest opportunities for advancement from entry-level to supervisory or specialized culinary roles, with corresponding salary increases.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 21,030 employees in the Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 107.232 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 Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area