Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
In Knoxville, TN, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $31,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,680.
- Outlook: Knoxville boasts a substantial workforce of 41,660 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.13, this sector is slightly more concentrated in Knoxville than the national average, indicating a stable and potentially growing demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Knoxville, TN earns-13.0%below the national average.
$15.1
$602
$2,608
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Knoxville have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This suggests a consistent, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves moving from entry-level roles to supervisory or specialized positions. As individuals gain experience and develop advanced skills, their earning potential increases significantly, with higher percentiles reflecting greater responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,500 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,475 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,230 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,125 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,680 | $21.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,300 in Knoxville aligns perfectly 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 that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making it a balanced financial proposition for residents.
Job Market Context
41,660
Total Jobs
99.629
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.13 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 13% more concentrated in Knoxville compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local market with a healthy demand for these services, potentially offering more opportunities than in less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,030↓ 7% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,580↓ 9% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,400↑ 7% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,750↓ 2% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,960↓ 7% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Knoxville, TN is $31,300. This typically ranges from $20,500 for entry-level positions to $44,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 13.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $31,300 is below the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific field.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($29,030) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the Knoxville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Knoxville, TN is $31,300, which is lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation jobs in Knoxville?
With a Location Quotient of 1.13, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more concentrated in Knoxville than the national average, suggesting a stable demand.
How many people work in Food Preparation in Knoxville?
There are approximately 41,660 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Knoxville, TN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 41,660 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 99.629 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 Knoxville, TN