Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lawton, OK
In Lawton, OK, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Lawton.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,540.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawton, OK, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 4,790 individuals. The location quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a well-established presence of this industry within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawton, OK earns-21.6%below the national average.
$13.6
$542
$2,348
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 Lawton, like most regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for services, and a desire to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lawton, OK
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawton, OK, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,210 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,135 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,410 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,225 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,540 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,180 in Lawton, OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making Lawton a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living versus earnings for this occupation.
Job Market Context
4,790
Total Jobs
112.188
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Lawton, OK 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 1.27, Lawton, OK, demonstrates a concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is 27% higher than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Lawton is relatively more abundant or specialized in this field compared to other areas, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a potentially competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls, TX Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,260↑ 0% | 49 mi |
| Oklahoma City, OK Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,610↑ 5% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawton, OK
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lawton, OK?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawton, OK is $28,180. This typically ranges from $17,210 for entry-level positions to $38,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawton, OK is 21.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lawton, OK a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, Lawton, OK is not a particularly lucrative place for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,180 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Lawton, OK a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawton, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawton, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita Falls, TX ($28,260) and Oklahoma City, OK.
How does Lawton's average salary compare to the national average for Food Prep roles?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lawton, OK, is $28,180, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.27 mean for Lawton's job market?
A location quotient of 1.27 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 27% more concentrated in Lawton, OK, than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence and potentially more job availability in this sector.
How does the Cost of Living in Lawton affect the salary?
Lawton's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $28,180 salary, while lower than the national average, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there many Food Preparation jobs in Lawton, OK?
With 112.188 jobs per 1,000 workers and a location quotient above 1, Lawton, OK, has a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, suggesting a significant presence of these roles within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,790 employees in the Lawton, OK area with a job density of 112.188 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 Lawton, OK