Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kentucky
In Kentucky, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,390. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,960. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the state's service industry contribute to this difference in compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,340.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 173,200 individuals in these roles, Kentucky demonstrates a significant presence in the food preparation sector. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Kentucky is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established job market for these occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky earns-18.3%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,449
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 Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between lower and higher earners signifies opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on experience, skill, and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,120 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,043 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,840 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,738 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,340 | $19.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,728
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $29,390 in Kentucky's food preparation sector is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may offer a relatively good purchasing power for residents within the state.
Job Market Context
173,200
Total Jobs
86.873
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 0.98x 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.
Kentucky's location quotient of 0.98 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution. This suggests a competitive yet balanced environment where the number of jobs is relatively proportional to the national average, offering consistent opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 5% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 7% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,930↑ 15% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky is $29,390. This typically ranges from $18,120 for entry-level positions to $41,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 18.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not when compared to national averages.While Kentucky's cost of living is lower than the national average, the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is significantly below the national benchmark, suggesting less lucrative earning potential in nominal terms.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($30,720) and Elizabethtown, KY.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Kentucky is $29,390.
How does Kentucky's salary for these roles compare to the national average?
The average salary in Kentucky ($29,390) is lower than the national average ($35,960).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Kentucky?
The concentration of these jobs in Kentucky, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.98, is very close to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 173,200 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 86.873 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 Kentucky