In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $31,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, may be influencing compensation within this sector. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration in the Houston area play a significant role in shaping these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,950.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan area boasts a substantial workforce of 303,760 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, this sector is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a robust presence and potentially stable demand for these roles within the local economy. The substantial number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significance of this industry to the region's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-13.7%below the national average.
$14.9
$597
$2,585
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Houston is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. Economic expansion, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to modest annual increases in compensation across most industries, including the food service sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The widening salary gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th percentile (experienced) often signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the potential for substantial income growth within this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,570 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,265 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,490 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,775 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,950 | $21.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,020 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the financial impact of this salary is neither significantly advantageous nor disadvantageous when considering the cost of essential goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
303,760
Total Jobs
93.571
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 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 1.06, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce; rather, it indicates a healthy and stable demand for these roles that is marginally above the national benchmark. Employers may find a slightly larger pool of qualified candidates, while job seekers can expect a competitive but accessible employment environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,620↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,840↓ 4% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $31,020. This typically ranges from $18,570 for entry-level positions to $44,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 13.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,020 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while your purchasing power may be similar, the absolute earning potential is lower.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($29,620) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the Houston job market compare nationally for Food Prep roles?
The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area has a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.06, suggesting a stable and slightly more prevalent market.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Houston?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $31,020.
How does the cost of living in Houston affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston is 100, which is the national average. This means the $31,020 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary.
What is the total workforce size for Food Prep roles in Houston?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 303,760 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 303,760 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 93.571 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX