SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Huntsville, AL

In Huntsville, AL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Rocket City.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,130.
  • Outlook: Huntsville's food preparation sector supports a substantial local workforce of 20,220 individuals. The location quotient of 0.88 indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally booming demand for these roles within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,750

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Huntsville, AL earns-17.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.3

Weekly

$572

Monthly

$2,479

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and specialized positions command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,380$9.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,313$10.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,220$13.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,188$17.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$40,130$19.3

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,750

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,750 in Huntsville 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 this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

20,220

Total Jobs

77.693

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Huntsville, AL has 0.88x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a location quotient of 0.88, the food preparation and serving market in Huntsville is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the industry is present and active, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled workers seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Huntsville, AL is $29,750. This typically ranges from $20,380 for entry-level positions to $40,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 17.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,750 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par, meaning purchasing power is similar but absolute earnings are lower.

Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($28,090) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.

How does the Huntsville salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Huntsville, AL is $29,750, which is approximately $6,210 less than the national average of $35,960.

What is the Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many people work in Food Preparation in Huntsville?

There are approximately 20,220 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Huntsville, AL.

Is the food preparation job market in Huntsville growing?

While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the stable workforce size and a location quotient near the national average suggest a consistent presence and demand for these roles in Huntsville.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 20,220 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 77.693 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.