Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lake Charles, LA
In Lake Charles, LA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,730. This figure falls 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: $26,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,890 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a location quotient of 1.12, Lake Charles demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, and perhaps growing, demand for food service professionals in the area, suggesting a robust job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lake Charles, LA earns-25.7%below the national average.
$12.9
$514
$2,228
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 modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and potential shifts in minimum wage laws, contributing to a gradual upward trajectory in earnings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Career progression in 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 clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,720 | $7.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,048 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,550 | $11.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,413 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,730 in Lake Charles, LA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this salary.
Job Market Context
9,890
Total Jobs
98.665
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Lake Charles, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.12 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lake Charles signifies that this sector is 12% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these roles, indicating that employers in Lake Charles may have a greater need for food service workers relative to other industries when compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,620↑ 11% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,980↓ 3% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,030↓ 3% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $26,730. This typically ranges from $15,720 for entry-level positions to $37,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 25.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. The market is slightly more concentrated, but this does not translate to higher pay in this specific occupation.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($29,620) and Lafayette, LA.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lake Charles, LA?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lake Charles, LA is $26,730.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Lake Charles ($26,730) is lower than the national average ($35,960).
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA?
The cost of living in Lake Charles, LA is at the national average, with an index of 100.
Is there high demand for food preparation jobs in Lake Charles?
With a location quotient of 1.12, there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Lake Charles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,890 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 98.665 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 Lake Charles, LA