SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Jackson, MS

In Jackson, MS, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,970. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, indicating that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the Mississippi capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,340.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 23,440 individuals in these roles and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for food preparation and serving occupations in Jackson, MS, closely mirrors the national concentration. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these services, with the number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 87.237 reflecting consistent employment opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,970

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jackson, MS earns-25.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$519

Monthly

$2,248

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS

Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the widening gap between starting wages and experienced professional earnings signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential through skill development and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,810$8.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,228$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,690$11.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,713$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,340$18

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$26,970

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $26,970 in Jackson, MS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary locally is comparable to the national standard, making the financial impact of relocating to Jackson for this role neutral in terms of cost of living.

Job Market Context

23,440

Total Jobs

87.237

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Jackson, MS has 0.99x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jackson, MS, is nearly identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of workers in this field is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented compared to the rest of the country, implying a competitive but stable employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Jackson, MS?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jackson, MS is $26,970. This typically ranges from $17,810 for entry-level positions to $37,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 25.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, Jackson, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for these roles.The average salary of $26,970 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable nationally.

Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($25,950) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.

How does Jackson's food service job market compare to the national average?

Jackson's job market for food preparation and serving roles is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99, indicating a balanced representation of these jobs within the local workforce.

What is the average salary for food preparation jobs in Jackson, MS?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jackson, MS, is $26,970.

Does the cost of living in Jackson affect the salary?

The cost of living in Jackson is at the national average (100), meaning the $26,970 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.

How many people work in food preparation in Jackson, MS?

There are approximately 23,440 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Jackson, MS, representing 87.237 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,440 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 87.237 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.