Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
In Lafayette, LA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $25,980. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,090.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a robust presence with a total local workforce of 17,820 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lafayette, LA earns-27.8%below the national average.
$12.5
$500
$2,165
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 have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. This suggests a gradual increase in earning potential for dedicated professionals in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify the value placed on experience, skill, and leadership within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,485 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,790 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,475 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,090 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,980 in Lafayette, LA, 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 is comparable to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the financial viability of this salary.
Job Market Context
17,820
Total Jobs
101.529
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Lafayette, LA 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 1.15, Lafayette, LA, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is moderately competitive, with a steady demand for skilled workers in this sector, offering good opportunities for those entering or advancing in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lafayette, LA is $25,980. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $37,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 27.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Lafayette, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,980 is significantly below the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable, but the earning potential is lower.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($27,360) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Lafayette, LA has 101.529 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, which is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy local job market for these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.15?
An LQ of 1.15 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 15% more concentrated in Lafayette, LA, than the national average. This suggests a stronger local industry presence and potentially more job opportunities relative to other sectors.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette, LA affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette, LA, is right at the national average. This means the $25,980 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of real value.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A total local workforce of 17,820 in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a substantial segment of the local economy is dedicated to this industry, suggesting a stable employment base.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 17,820 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 101.529 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 Lafayette, LA